IRVING, TEXAS — Hostess Brands, Inc. is kicking off a new contest for its Wonder bread brand in which ordinary people making extraordinary contributions to their families, communities or country will be honored as “Wonder Heroes.” Grand prize winners will be featured on millions of limited-edition Wonder packaging and receive other prizes.

“The beginning of the new year is a time to take stock of the things we hold most dear — the people, from all walks of life, who inspire us with small acts that shape our lives in big ways,” said Ann Oades, director of premium bread marketing for Wonder. “Wonder is a brand born out of inspiration and has been part of the American experience for generations. Wonder celebrates our country’s unsung heroes who inspire us every day.”

Consumers may nominate personal heroes on the Wonder bread Facebook page, where stories will be showcased. The heroic acts may be as commonplace as a parent who worked multiple jobs in order to send their child to college, as courageous as a volunteer firefighter who saved a life, or as selfless as a husband and father who helped his wife battle illness.

Four nominees will be selected as grand prize winners: one Wonder Mom, one Wonder Dad and two Wonder Patriots. In addition to being featured on special packaging, grand prize winners will win a trip to New York City, a $1,000 gift card and a year’s supply of Wonder bread. Additional heroes will be selected as first prize winners and receive a $500 gift card and a year’s supply of Wonder bread.

The deadline for Wonder Mom nominations is Jan. 30. Nominations for Wonder Dad and Wonder Patriot are due by Feb. 13. Winners will be featured on packaging between April and July 2011.

Complete contest rules may be found at www.facebook.com/wonderbread and at www.wonderbread.com.