Between October 3 and 23, special pink punnets will ‘mushroom’ onto Pick ‘n Pay’s fresh produce shelves in support of the fight against breast cancer. R1 from each punnet of 250g whole white button mushrooms and 250g sliced white button mushrooms sold will be donated to the breast cancer support group, Reach for Recovery.

“October’s National Breast Cancer month offers an outstanding opportunity to get involved in raising funds to help survivors of breast cancer and those battling with this disease,” adds SAMFA’s, chairperson Ross Richardson. “Many research studies have already indicated that consuming more vegetables and whole grains may reduce women’s chances of developing breast cancer. Now new breast cancer research studies, conducted around the globe stretching from western Australia to California seem to confirm another dietary link: Research seems to indicate that mushrooms have breast cancer-fighting properties that could establish them as important partners in the battle to win this fight. It is because of these findings that SAMFA and mushrooms are adding their voices to National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“By creating an awareness of the potential cancer-fighting properties of white button mushrooms as indicated by the research, and combining it with a fund-raising drive to assist breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery, we can make a real difference to the well-being of breast cancer survivors. Our October 2010 pink punnet promotion raised a whopping R232 524.00 for Reach for Recovery and we are looking forward to topping that during this year’s initiative.”

Says Beulah Jankelowitz, the National Coordinator of the breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery (R4R), “Breast Cancer is a scary diagnosis which does not discriminate between race, religion, colour or creed. The good news however, is that if you detect and treat breast cancer in its early stage, you have a very good chance of fully recovering.

“We are most grateful to SAMFA, Pick ‘n Pay and Yucca Packaging for their generosity as it is this kind of financial support that allows us, as a group of volunteers, to continue providing practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and help thousands of women in needy communities throughout South Africa. The funds raised last year went to the funding of silicone prostheses for women who cannot afford to purchase them and it also allowed us to harness sufficient staff to support survivors, patients and their families and extend our work further into needy communities throughout South Africa.”

So, look out for the 250g punnets of whole white buttons and sliced white buttons in their pretty pink packaging on Pick ‘n Pay’s shelves from October 3. By purchasing a few mushroom punnets you will not only provide much needed funds to Reach for Recovery, you will also personally benefit by providing your body with essential vitamins and antioxidants recommended for a healthy, disease-preventing diet.

More information
South African Mushroom Farmers' Association
Reach for Recovery

BEFORE YOU RECYCLE, RE-USE!
Most mushrooms are packaged in punnets; at Pick n Pay, they're blue. Colour aside, they can be re-used before finally making their way to recycling.

• If I've baked and want to sent family and friends home with some goodies? Mushroom punnets.
• There's a mushroom punnet on a shelf in my bedroom cupboard, into which I deposit bits and pieces that I may need to reach quickly, but can't stand leaving out in the open, including coins, spare keys, etc.
• An ideal utensil rest when cooking or baking.
• Store leftovers. On this note, I have finally developed a habit (from my late mother-in-law) that I used to find amusing. I keep any plastic bags and plastic sheets that one often finds in packaged goods. Rinse, dry and reuse, including to cover leftovers.
• I have some ideas for combining punnets and pretty packaging (re-used of course!) to use for Christmas and other gifts this year.

And they have plenty of uses for young children:

• Perfect for serving snacks or sandwiches, especially outdoors and at picnics.
• Unbreakable party 'plates'. Plus the sides mean less 'slippage' onto your carpets and floors. October is the ideal time to collect pretty pink punnets for a girl's party.
• When mixing powder paints for an arty activity: less difficult for little hands to accidentally knock them over and they're so easy to rinse and use again.
• Have you noticed how children collect lots of little things: pretty shells and stones (Scratch Patch, anyone?), party favours, mini-toys, batteries, toy jewellery, stickers, etc. Line drawers with punnets for easy separation and sorting. Secure with a bit of prestick or similar, if necessary.

Have any mushroom punnet tips? Let us know and we'll share them with readers.