Over 50 Iowa fuel retailers are encouraging drivers to help prevent breast cancer by choosing E15 this October during the third annual “Pink at the Pump” campaign.

Participating E15 retailers across the state will donate 3 cents of every gallon of E15 sold during October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and The Hormel Institute. The 3-cent donation will be split evenly among both organizations.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and choosing E15 is a simple and practical way drivers can make a difference today to help prevent this terrible disease,” says Lucy Norton, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association managing director. “Ethanol is the cleanest source of fuel octane in the world. The more ethanol a fuel contains, the less toxic, cancer-causing chemicals are being released into our air. So not only will E15 purchases this month go toward research and support services, but choosing E15 can help prevent cancer all year long.”

NBCF focuses on providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

“NBCF is grateful for support over the last three years from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board to our mission of helping women now,” says Danae Johnson, NBCF senior director of development. “The campaign, Pink at the Pump, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October will enable us to continue providing help and inspiring hope to women affected by breast cancer across the U.S.”

The Hormel Institute is a global, cutting-edge research facility with a 70-year history of making significant scientific discoveries on better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. 

For the entire month of October, participating locations will feature pink nozzle guards for E15, pink promotional T-shirts for staff, and many other pink point-of-sale materials. Pink at the Pump is a joint effort between IRFA and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

"Pink at the Pump, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board are part of funding over $400,000 in cutting-edge cancer research projects at The Hormel Institute, aimed at finding new ways to prevent cancer and extend lives,” says Dr. Zigang Dong, the institute’s executive director. “This innovative research is possible only because of their partnership, dedication and support. Of every dollar we receive, 100% is used for research in the quest to protect and save lives."

“E15 ethanol is a good thing for consumers, retailers and the state of Iowa,” says Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove in northwest Iowa. “Ethanol, a renewable fuel made from corn, burns cleaner than regular gas. And when you use E15 at the pump, it saves you money, supports Iowa jobs and your local farmers.” Riessen is vice chair of ICPB’s corn industrial usage and production committee.

Casey’s offers 25-cent discount 
One company, Casey’s General Stores, is offering a 25-cent-per-gallon discount for E15 at select stations as part of the 2018 Pink at the Pump campaign. Casey’s is offering three events this week at certain locations in Iowa where this discount will be given.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. unleaded 88/E15 at a 25-cent discount will be sold on:
• Oct. 1 at the Casey’s at 870 NE Alice’s Road in Waukee
• Oct. 2 at Casey’s at 1225 Fountains Way in Cedar Falls
• Oct. 3 at Casey’s at 3625 Edgewood Road SW in Cedar Rapids

Iowa Corn Board representatives at each event will meet customers and talk about the benefits of E15. This fuel blend contains 15% ethanol, just 5% more ethanol than E10, the most commonly used fuel in the United States. E15 is approved for use in vehicles model year 2001 and newer. E15 is higher in octane, improving vehicle performance. Find fuel stations offering a participating Pink at the Pump station online.

Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association