HERSHEY, Pa., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- You've heard of the best places to live and work, the most romantic cities and the most photogenic cities, now, Hershey Foods Corporation is recognizing "America's 50 Sweet Spots" -- towns across America where acts of volunteerism, heroism and sweetness prevail.

Bert Sperling, creator of Money magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" list, conducted the research, sponsored by Hershey. Rounding out the top 10-list, in order, are Seattle, Boston, Savannah, Des Moines, Cleveland, New York City, Chicago, Baltimore, San Diego and Phoenix.

"America's 50 Sweet Spots" are clean, safe, family-friendly places with high rates of volunteerism, a spirit of community and a lifestyle that enables residents to embrace all that is good and sweet in life. In addition, these "Sweet Spots" are home to citizens who have been recipients of community, philanthropic, or military service awards. All "Sweet Spots" have a high per capita on spending for fun, recreational and family activities and are the backdrop of frequent parades and celebrations that bring families and communities together to appreciate life's sweet moments -- big and small. Finally, additional criteria included romantic settings (restaurants and beaches), and historical landmarks, houses and museums.

"Now more than ever, the time seemed right to celebrate America's sweetness as we all have realized the fragility of life and the importance of slowing down to recognize and cherish life's sweet moments -- from volunteering in a soup kitchen and marching in a parade to spending time with the family on a lazy Sunday afternoon," said Bert Sperling. "The 50 "Sweet Spots" exemplify the best that our country represents, places where people take the time to care for one another with random acts of sweetness."

"For example, more than any other place, Seattle has a very strong showing in family-oriented, healthy, wholesome activities that enrich the body and soul, " said Sperling.

Sperling's figures show Seattle-ites spend much of their time enjoying the natural wonders of their region, and playing with their families' out-of-doors. Including history, Boston's strengths are in Community Service and Charitable Contribution areas. Throughout the years, many native Bostonians have achieved heroic status by defending and protecting their citizens and the United States both here and abroad through military service.

Savannah is a romantic "Sweet Spot" known for its safe and historic community; Des Moines has an incredibly clean environment and touts an abundance of residents who participate in community service; and Cleveland is a clean and safe city with recreational activities for the family.

Consumers can log on to http://www.hersheys.com to look for their hometown on the "America's 50 Sweet Spots" list and to print off an entry form to win a new Jeep(R) Liberty beginning January 7 through January 31.

This month, Hershey will visit five of "America's Sweet Spots" to honor those communities for their commitment to help drive these good works forward. In addition, Hershey will make a cash donation to a local charity in each of the five "Sweet Spots" visited.

While Hershey is recognizing "America's 50 Sweet Spots", Hershey, Pennsylvania is the sweetest place on earth because that's where Hershey's Chocolate was created, and it is the home of the world's largest chocolate factory. It is the "sweetest" based on different criteria, but a qualified sweet spot none-the-less!

ABOUT HERSHEY FOODS

Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products and chocolate-related grocery products and has a variety of international operations. Principal brands include: Hershey's(R), Reese's(R), Hershey's(R) Kisses(R), Kit Kat(R), Jolly Rancher(R), Reese's(R), Fast Break(R), Ice Breakers(R), Twizzlers(R), Almond Joy(R), York(R) and Breath Savers(R).

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

CONTACT: Christine Dugan of Hershey Foods Corporation, +1-717-534-7631, cdugan@hersheys.com; or Jeanne Landau of Edelman PR Worldwide, +1-212-704-8282, jeanne.landau@edelman.com/