ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2026 — Edible Brands, a global leader in gifting and treats best known for Edible Arrangements, supported a National Literacy Month initiative with Our Kids Read that distributed 1,000 books to young people through three community events in Atlanta.
The initiative included a Sept. 16 reading at the Chattahoochee YMCA, a Sept. 17 reading at The Ansley School and a Sept. 17 activation with the Angel C. Reese Foundation during the Atlanta Dream vs. Connecticut Sun game.
At the Dream game, 500 free copies of Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be, the children’s book by Atlanta native, entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, were distributed to young people. Scholastic donated copies of the book in support of the event and the organizations’ commitment to putting high-quality books directly into children’s hands. The activation was hosted in partnership with the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which works to empower girls and women through sports, education, financial literacy and other opportunities.
“We were thrilled to help get books into the hands of children in Atlanta. Reading is fundamental to everything we do in life — health, civics, professional development and personal growth — and we were proud to help promote literacy in Georgia,” the Angel C. Reese Foundation said.
The broader literacy initiative also included two community readings. Sasha Palmer, director of Nike HER Elite Basketball Club, hosted the Sept. 16 reading at the Chattahoochee YMCA, where 250 books were donated. Palmer brought in high school basketball players to read to the kids and share what keeps them driven both in the classroom and on the court. “At HER Elite, we teach players how to read the defense. Basketball opens doors, but literacy ensures our youth can confidently walk through them. We are proud to team up with Our Kids Read, the YMCA Chattahoochee and Edible Brands to champion the power of reading this month,” Sasha said.
Catherine Brewton, VP at BMI and founder of Hope For Harvest, hosted the Sept. 17 reading at The Ansley School, where another 250 books were donated. Brewton dialed in Kirk Franklin to speak with the students, and she and Shelly Fanning of the Atlanta Vibe shared stories from their own careers and took questions from the kids. “It was an absolute delight to spend time with the students at the Ansley School during National Literacy Month. This school holds immense significance due to the diverse demographic of the children it serves. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment that fosters their development and well-being,” Catherine said.
“Atlanta is home for us, and investing in young readers here matters,” said Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands. “We are proud to support an initiative that distributed 1,000 books across our community and created experiences that celebrated reading, connection and opportunity. We hope that excitement continues long after National Literacy Month.”
“We are honored to be part of this effort to make books more accessible to young people,” said Jahmal Lake, executive director and founder of Our Kids Read. “For us, the goal is not simply to give a child a book. It is to help create the support, encouragement and excitement that can turn reading into a lifelong habit.”
About Edible Brands
Atlanta-based Edible Brands® acquires, develops and manages a world-class portfolio of consumer brands renowned in the hospitality and foodservice sectors. Edible Brands has skillfully integrated an innovative e-commerce platform with a robust network of locally owned stores worldwide to meet consumers where they are. Edible Brands’ growing portfolio includes Edible Arrangements® and Rōti® Modern Mediterranean. For more information, visit ediblebrands.com.
About Our Kids Read
Our Kids Read is a Maryland-based national 501(c)(3) literacy nonprofit that harnesses technology and human connection to empower everyday people to mentor children and inspire a love of reading. Through one-on-one reading mentorship, free book distribution and community-based literacy initiatives, Our Kids Read works to ensure children have access to both the books and caring support they need to become confident, lifelong readers.
Media Contacts:
Edible Brands
ediblebrands@kcsa.com
Our Kids Read
reading@ourkidsread.org
888-840-7323
www.ourkidsread.org
