JoAnna Garcia Swisher Partners With McCormick To Make School Night Dinners Easy

Just as back-to-school season got into full swing for families across the country, the McCormick® brand teamed up with actress and celebrity mom of two, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, to help busy parents conquer their back-to-school routines — with the help of McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix.

This October, McCormick hosted a series of 'After School Tac'over' events with Big Brother Big Sisters in New York, Los Angeles, and Baltimore, where McCormick gifted parents a taco night meal kit featuring McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix and all of the essentials needed to host their own family taco night at home.

"Back-to-school season can be a whirlwind for families, and the pressure is particularly felt at dinnertime," said Glen Schutzman, vice president of marketing, convenient meals at McCormick & Company. "We're helping busy parents by giving them the ingredients for the perfect weeknight meal that is convenient and full of flavor. Not just reserved for Taco Tuesday, tacos are an easy and fun dinner any night of the week."

At each 'After School Tac'over' event, the McCormick brand and Big Brothers Big Sisters invited families to gather for an afternoon of activities, including interactive floor to ceiling taco-themed coloring books, giant yard games, and more. Parents weren't the only ones going home with a special gift, McCormick also gave kids a taco-themed set of school supplies to prepare them for a successful year.

As part of the celebration, Swisher made a surprise appearance at one of the locations to share how she uses McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix not just for taco night, but for snacks, back-to-school lunch ideas and trending recipes. Throughout October, Swisher also took to social media to showcase her partnership with McCormick.

"Nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my family. Taco Tuesday and every other taco night – and there are a few – are cherished traditions for the whole family," said Swisher. "It's not just about the food, but the laughter and memories we create together and share at the dinner table."

The McCormick 'After School Taco'over' events coincided with the launch of Big Brother Big Sisters' latest campaign, "It Takes Little to Be Big," which challenges the myths of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to young people's success. The campaign aims to engage and galvanize one million volunteers ("Bigs"), alumni, supporters, influencers, and strategic partners to highlight the little mentorship moments that inspire potential and bridge the gap between people and possibility.

"It's moments like these [that] showcase how mentoring experiences can seamlessly fit into our daily lives, including a meal on Taco Tuesday and beyond," said Adam Vasallo, Chief Marketing Officer, BBBSA. "The simple act of sharing a meal can foster connections, create bonding experiences, and build relationships that have lasting impact, similar to those embodied by our Bigs and Littles."

Throughout the school year, McCormick helps busy parents take the guesswork out of meals. McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix is the perfect blend to spice up any dish. Some taco-inspired favorites to work into your meal plans include:

For more information and recipes using McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning, visit this link. To follow along and enjoy your own After School Tac'over, follow @McCormickSpice on Instagram.