Safeway Gets Weight Loss Clinics in Bay Area

Albertsons Companies Inc. and Costa Mesa, Calif.-based weight loss center Lindora Clinic, which operates the Lean for Life weight loss program, are partnering to bring a medically based and customized weight management program to five Safeway stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Lindora Clinic, which already operates more than 35 centers throughout Southern California, will become the first medically based weight loss clinic to providce services within California grocery stores. The 400- to 500-square-foot clinics will be adjacent to Safeway's in-store pharmacies at its Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Menlo Park and San Jose stores, beginning Oct. 10.

In addition to clinicians who work one-on-one with patients, the new clinics will offer Lean for Life food coaches, who will show clients how to make healthier eating choices and develop better eating habits.

To celebrate the expansion, Lindora Center is offering customers at the new clinic locations the chance to win free appointments with in-clinic programs, valued at more than $1,000, during the launch week, Oct. 10 to 14. Those who stop by any of the five clinics for a free consultation will be entered into the daily raffle, and one lucky winner from each Safeway clinic will be selected every day during the period.

Albertsons Companies Inc., based in Boise, Idaho, operates stores across 35 states and Washington, D.C., under 19 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.