Del Monte Foods Sponsors American Heart Association's 2008 Start! San Francisco Heart Walk

"Del Monte Foods is committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day, and we are proud to team up with the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease," said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Del Monte Foods. "We encourage consumers to get active every day, whether it's a brisk walk with the whole family, including pets, or a lunch-time stroll during the workday. In addition, we at Del Monte recognize the busy lifestyles of today's families and are pleased that many of our products offer great tasting, heart-healthy food choices that are nutritious and convenient."

As the lead local sponsor of the Start! San Francisco Heart Walk, Del Monte will feature two booths at Justin Herman Plaza that will offer samples of a variety of great-tasting, nutritious products for Heart Walk participants and their four-legged friends. Attendees will receive samples of a variety of good-for-you products including Fruit Naturals(R) and Del Monte Lite(R) 100 Calorie Fruit, both of which are important sources of Vitamins A and C. And whether their furry friends are walking alongside them or waiting for them at home, walkers can also grab samples of Meow Mix(R) Wholesome Goodness(TM) cat food or Pup-Peroni(R)50 Calorie Snack Pouches for a dose of cat- and pup- friendly nutrition.

The Company will also be represented by nearly 200 Del Monte employees lacing up their sneakers to participate in the Heart Walk, which takes place just steps away from Del Monte's San Francisco corporate headquarters. Through an internal digital-marketing campaign, Del Monte is encouraging its employees to pledge their support of the Heart Association's efforts to raise $1.5 million.

Walking AND Eating your Way to a Healthy Heart

According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in three deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease and an estimated 80 million people in the U.S. have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.

To help reduce the risk of heart disease, the Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole-grain, high-fiber foods, and encourages eating fish at least twice a week.

Del Monte offers a broad selection of nutrient-dense foods -- including its fruits, vegetables, and tomatoes and offers families the ultimate in convenience, nutrition and year-round availability.

Get Healthy with Your Four-Legged Friend

The American Heart Association's Start! movement promotes walking as an important part of a healthy lifestyle because walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity, and is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health. Getting a daily workout is as easy as taking your dog for a brisk walk through the neighborhood. Let your furry friend lead the way and be sure to aim for at least a half-hour workout. The American Heart Association recommends moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most (and preferably all) days of the week.

And while walking is certainly great exercise, don't forget about swimming, hiking, or playing catch in the yard or at the park with your pup. Exercising with a pet can be a great way to stick to your workout routine -- it's good for you and your pet.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.74 billion in net sales in fiscal 2008 (including sales generated by operations now classified as discontinued operations). With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte(R), S&W(R), Contadina(R), College Inn(R), Meow Mix(R), Kibbles 'n Bits, 9Lives(R), Milk-Bone(R), Pup-Peroni(R), Meaty Bone(R), Snausages(R) and Pounce(R), Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE: DLM | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.(TM)

SOURCE: Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods Mary Sestric, 412-222-8091