Hannaford Supermarkets has announced an exciting $1.3 million investment to support children’s health programs throughout New England and New York. This funding is part of their “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative, which aims to help kids access nutritious foods and lead healthier lives.
The goal of this funding is clear: to encourage children to eat better and stay active, ultimately reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Recent statistics show that almost 20% of children aged 2-19 are classified as obese, underscoring the urgency of these efforts. By addressing nutrition early, Hannaford aims to create long-lasting health benefits for children and their families.
Mike Vail, President of Hannaford Supermarkets, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “It’s essential we provide children with the right tools to develop healthy habits at an early age. We’re incredibly proud to support these meaningful programs that will create positive, lasting impacts on the lives of children in our communities.”
One organization benefitting from this funding is Full Plates Full Potential in Maine. They plan to use the grant to help schools meet new federal guidelines for serving fresh, made-from-scratch meals. This initiative will ensure children enjoy healthier, locally sourced foods rather than heavily processed ones. Justin Strasburger, Executive Director of Full Plates Full Potential, expressed optimism: “Hannaford’s support is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
Community Servings in Massachusetts will also receive funding to expand its Food is Medicine Nutrition Program, which provides tailored meals to families in need. CEO David B. Waters stated, “With Hannaford’s support, we will be able to advance the health of children experiencing nutrition insecurity.”
Hannaford isn’t just stopping at this investment. They’re also providing $60,000 in gift cards to selected community partners. These cards can be used to buy healthy snacks, further promoting nutrition and well-being among children.
Since launching the “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative in September 2022, Hannaford has contributed over $4 million to community organizations working towards better health and nutrition. It’s a step in the right direction for fighting food insecurity and fostering healthier lifestyles.
As we acknowledge these efforts, it’s clear that community support plays a vital role in tackling childhood obesity and enhancing food access. The collaboration between retailers like Hannaford and local organizations offers hope for a healthier future for our children.
For more about Hannaford’s community efforts and initiatives, visit Hannaford.com.
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