The U.S.-based growers of Opal apples have vowed to use profits from the popular fruit to support the "Youth Make a Difference" initiative, which is designed to help causes led by people aged 6-25.

In a release, the company highlighted this was its third consecutive year with the program, allocating funds to initiatives that address issues in food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics or food education.

In 2014 FirstFruits distributed US$75,000 to the program, and this year will raise the stakes to US$150,000. Non-profit organizations and school-based entities will have until Feb. 28 to apply at opalapples.com.

"Many children experience hunger, malnutrition or obesity, but very few understand where their food is sourced or how it is grown," said Suzanne Broetje, executive director at the Vista Hermosa Foundation, Broetje Orchards.

"With the Youth Make a Difference campaign, we hope to inspire the next generation to make a real difference in their communities on issues like hunger and healthy eating, the politics of food distribution, and the importance of community service."

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