Mars is bringing a taste of optimism in the form of free chocolate to the U.S. city that needs it most

America will pick the city that will receive a one-of-a-kind free chocolate friday

CHICAGO – Mars Snackfood US announced today that it will bring its Real Chocolate Relief Act™ to one city that America decides is most in need of sweet relief. Starting today, through August 31, 2009, Americans can log onto RealChocolate.com and voice their choice for one of nearly 350 U.S. cities they think could use a Free Chocolate Friday™.

The city with the most votes is in for a sweet surprise when NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, “drives” smiles into town. He’ll deliver and help hand out thousands of free, real, full-sized Mars chocolate products, including M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, MILKY WAY®, TWIX®, DOVE® Chocolate and 3 MUSKETEERS® at a live Free Chocolate Friday in September.

Sweet Relief Sweeping the Nation

Free Chocolate Fridays is the cornerstone of Mars’ Real Chocolate Relief Act, an effort Mars kicked off in May, as a nationwide push to bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans via free, full-sized samples of Mars real chocolate, product discounts and coupons. Americans can continue to enjoy Free Chocolate Fridays by visiting RealChocolate.com every Friday through September to claim one of 250,000 full-value coupons that are redeemable by mail. As part of the effort, Mars is giving away as many as seven million full-size packages of its M&M’S, SNICKERS, MILKY WAY, TWIX, DOVE Chocolate, and 3 MUSKETEERS brand chocolate in the United States through September.

“We’re continuing our mission to stretch a feeling of optimism across the country by literally bringing a Free Chocolate Friday to the city that America decides needs it most,” said Michele Kessler, vice president of marketing, Mars Snackfood US. “It’s our way of giving Americans another moment of joy this summer.”

Mars’ Real Chocolate Ride

To celebrate the next phase of the Real Chocolate Relief Act program, Mars unveiled a sweet new ride for NASCAR driver Kyle Busch made entirely of 100 percent real chocolate. Unveiled at the Lifelock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, the car was a full-sized real chocolate replica of the actual No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Busch raced during the Lifelock.com 400.

Help Eliminate Frowns Around Your Town

Today Through August 31, consumers over age 13 can log onto RealChocolate.com and vote for one of nearly 350 U.S. cities that they believe deserve its very own Free Chocolate Friday. The winning city will be announced on September 10. For a list of complete rules or to vote, visit RealChocolate.com.