Giant-Carlisle/Martin’s Keeps Kids Healthy

As part of its continuing efforts to vanquish childhood obesity and help kids live healthier lifestyles, Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets are introducing a range of activities this spring. Additionally, the first issue of the Ahold USA division's Kid Healthy Ideas, a free health-and-wellness magazine, is now available in all Giant and Martin’s stores.Targeting children ages 8 to 12, the 12-page, full-color quarterly magazine features health-related educational articles, games and recipes.

“Healthy choices for families often start at the supermarket, and as a grocery retailer we are committed to providing health-and-wellness information that not only engages adults, but also children,” explained Rick Herring, president. “We encourage parents and grandparents to pick up a copy of Kid Healthy Ideas to try fun recipes at home, in addition to participating in one of our healthy in-store activities scheduled over the next several weeks.”

All of the publication’s articles and content come from Giant/Martin’s nutritionists, expert associates and community health partners. Parents and kids can get a free copy of Kid Healthy Ideas in the stores’ produce departments and lobbies, as well as online.

The banners will also offer hands-on “Good Things Grow Kid Challenges” focused on healthy lifestyles for four consecutive Saturdays at all stores, at which children will receive a free take-away or product sample. The in-store activity schedule is as follows:

--The April 21 Challenge encourages kids to try something new in the produce department, including star fruit, kiwi and mango.
--The April 28 Challenge’s Earth Day theme is expressed through bean seeds kids can take home to plant and watch grow.
--On May 5, kids will learn that “Good Things Grow” on Cinco de Mayo by making their own maracas.
--On May 12, kids can learn how to make Mom a better-for-you breakfast for her special day.

Parents and kids can also find healthy information online with the chains’ exclusive Passport to Nutrition software program, which provides interactive advice on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant/Martin’s operates stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia under the names of Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets, employing nearly 30,000 associates.