Last updated on October 3rd, 2016 at 11:06 am
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is providing free fruit to kids in stores while parents shop. Baskets of fruit are placed in the entrance of each store, as a nutritious snack option for kids under the age of 12.
“Raley’s wants to connect kids with fresh and healthy food, while enhancing our customers’ overall shopping experience,” said Kevin Konkel, SVP of store operations. “Offering kids free fruit is an opportunity to provide a nutritious snack option. We know that small changes in food choices can make an impact over time.”
As Raley’s promotes its vision of wellness, making fresh fruit as accessible as possible to youth who are so early on in their personal food journeys can help instill better dietary choices/practices later in life.
“Fruit is a delicious and easy way for kids to get more fiber and important nutrition into their day, keeping their immune system strong and their taste buds happy,” said Emmie Satrazemis, Raley’s wellness evangelist.
Eighty-seven percent of Americans don’t meet recommendations for daily fruit consumption. A vital point at which to begin introducing positive food choices is when children are setting up their habits for a lifetime, according to the West Sacramento-based grocery chain, which operates 121 stores in Northern California and Nevada under four banners. There is a misconception that fruits and vegetables are more expensive than other foods. Contrary to popular belief, produce is no more expensive than many less nutritious options, the company says. With a majority of Raley’s stores in or near America’s Farm to Fork capital, providing free fruit to children is a unique opportunity to educate the next generation of consumers, one piece of fruit at a time, according to the grocer.
“Let’s Begin” is a multi-dimensional effort to share Raley’s vision of health and wellness with customers; inviting others to take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle through education, personal goal setting and sharing.
