In a commendable stride towards fostering healthier future generations, Hannaford Supermarkets has pledged a substantial $1.3 million to improve child health and wellness throughout New England and New York. This funding forms part of their ongoing initiative, “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health,” designed to enhance access to nutritious foods and promote healthy lifestyles.
The donations will bolster initiatives aimed at encouraging children to develop nutritious eating habits and engage in regular physical activity, ultimately minimising the risks of chronic diseases. Funds will be allocated across several organisations, including Full Plates Full Potential and Let’s Go! in Maine, New Hampshire Hunger Solutions in New Hampshire, Cornell University in New York, and Community Servings and Project Bread in Massachusetts.
With nearly 20% of children aged 2-19 categorised as obese nationally, it is imperative to address the repercussions of obesity on children’s health, such as heightened diabetes, heart disease, and cancer risks. Hannaford’s funding seeks to not only broaden access to healthy food but enhance nutrition education for families, paving the path to a healthier society.
Mike Vail, President of Hannaford Supermarkets, stated, “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, which will create positive, lasting impact on the lives of children in our communities. By investing in the next generation today, we’re establishing the foundation for thriving communities tomorrow.”
Among the beneficiaries is Full Plates Full Potential, which will utilise the grant to assist schools in Maine in meeting federal guidelines for providing fresh, made-from-scratch meals. This initiative aims to elevate children’s daily intake of nutritious, wholesome food while limiting heavily processed options.
In Massachusetts, Community Servings will apply the funding to expand its Food is Medicine Nutrition Program, which delivers tailored meals to children and families in health need. David B. Waters, CEO of Community Servings, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating the support will help enhance child health amidst nutrition insecurity and critical health issues.
Alongside the $1.3 million commitment, Hannaford will distribute $60,000 in gift cards to community partners for procuring healthy snacks, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to improving overall nutrition and well-being.
Since launching the “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative in September 2022, Hannaford has invested over $4 million in community programmes, reinforcing their mission to dismantle barriers to healthy food access. For further details on Hannaford’s philanthropic efforts, visit Hannaford.com/HannafordHelps.
Hannaford Supermarkets is investing $1.3 million in child health and wellness initiatives across New England and New York as part of their “Eat Well, Be Well” programme. The funds will enhance access to nutritious foods and support various organisations focusing on youth wellbeing and nutrition education to combat rising childhood obesity rates. Hannaford aims to create a healthier future for families by addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier habits.
Hannaford Supermarkets’ generous donation of $1.3 million emphasises their commitment to enhancing child health and wellness across New England and New York. Through initiatives like “Eat Well, Be Well,” they are taking significant steps to combat childhood obesity and improve nutrition access. By teaming up with various organisations, Hannaford aims to create lasting societal benefits and foster healthier lifestyles for future generations.
Original Source: markets.businessinsider.com
