Last updated on September 4th, 2012 at 05:01 pm
How many of us have had the impulse to grab a candy bar or other unhealthy snack while waiting in line at the grocery store? Martin’s Food Markets, Richmond City Health District and Greater Richmond Fit4Kids are partnering on a new project to encourage customers to think healthy at the check-out with the launch of Healthy Ideas check-out lanes at eight Martin’s stores in Richmond, Va. This project is designed to promote healthy eating by increasing the availability of healthy food choices in grocery store check-out lanes.
“Martin’s is excited to be the pioneer grocery store in the Richmond area to offer healthy food and beverage items in select check-out lanes,” said Valerie Waters, in-store nutritionist for Martin’s Food Markets. “We think our moms and dads, in particular, will appreciate a check-out lane with items that are not full of added sugar and unhealthy fats, which tempt all of us on our way out of the store.”
“We’re excited to work with members of the community such as Martin’s Food Markets and Fit4Kids to bring about dramatic change to the norm by making it easier for our residents to make healthier choices,” said Dr. Danny Avula, deputy director for the Richmond City Health District. “Everything we can do to influence behaviors leading to a healthier lifestyle is a step toward healthier families and a healthier community.”
“Multi-sector partnerships are key in the fight against the rising rates of childhood obesity. Our partnership with Martin’s is the first step in what we hope to be a city-wide effort to provide Richmond residents with more healthy choices,” said Fit4Kids Executive Director Mary Dunne Stewart.
The Healthy Ideas check-out lanes contain both national and Martin’s brand perishable and nonperishable healthy food items. While the exact selection of products vary by aisle and store, among the items offered include: fruit , nuts, individual snack packs from Martin’s exclusive Nature’s Promise natural and organic section, nutrition bars, and 100 percent fruit juice.
The Richmond area Martin’s stores that now feature a Healthy Ideas check-out lane include:
• Brook Run, 5700 Brook Rd.;
• Carytown, 3522 W. Cary St.;
• Chesterfield Towne Center, 11361 Midlothian Turnpike;
• Chippenham, 5201 Chippenham Crossing;
• Cross Ridge, 10250 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen;
• John Rolfe, 2250 John Rolfe Pkwy.;
• Stratford Hills, 7045 Forest Hill Ave.; and
• White Oak, 4591 S. Laburnum Ave.
Headquartered in Carlisle, Pa., Giant/Martin’s operates nearly 200 grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, under the names of Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets.
