Hannaford Supermarkets has pledged a remarkable $1.3 million towards enhancing child health initiatives throughout New England and New York. This generous funding is part of their “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative, dedicated to fostering healthier futures by promoting access to nutritious foods. The aim is to bolster programs that encourage children to maintain healthier diets and stay active, ultimately reducing their risk of chronic diseases.
The donations, set to benefit various organisations, include Full Plates Full Potential and Let’s Go! in Maine; New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and Regenerative Roots Association in New Hampshire; Cornell University in New York; along with Community Servings and Project Bread in Massachusetts. These partnerships will serve to elevate children’s access to healthier food options and nutritional education, paving the way for improved health outcomes.
Statistics indicate that nearly 20% of children aged 2-19 in the United States are classified as obese, underscoring the urgency to combat obesity’s long-term health consequences such as diabetes and heart disease. Hannaford’s funding is pivotal not only for promoting healthier eating habits but also for enhancing nutritional education resources aimed at children, which signifies a beacon of hope for families striving towards healthier living.
Mike Vail, President of Hannaford, emphasised the importance of teaching children healthy habits early on: “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…” This investment lays the groundwork for vibrant, thriving communities, ensuring future generations can flourish.
Full Plates Full Potential, one of the recipients, plans to utilise the grant to assist schools across Maine in meeting federal guidelines through the provision of fresh, from-scratch meals. Justin Strasburger, the Executive Director, remarked, “Hannaford’s support is a powerful reminder… we’re proud to work alongside Hannaford to end childhood food insecurity in Maine once and for all.”
Community Servings in Massachusetts will enhance its Food is Medicine Nutrition Program with the grant, offering tailored meals to those in need. David B. Waters, their CEO, shared, “Community Servings is thrilled to partner with Hannaford… we are advancing the health of children experiencing nutrition insecurity and critical illness.”
In addition to the monetary investment, Hannaford plans to distribute $60,000 in gift cards to community partners, enabling them to purchase nutritious snacks for children. This effort aligns with their mission of enriching community health and wellness. Since launching the “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative in September 2022, Hannaford has allocated over $4 million to support similar community-focused efforts.
Hannaford Supermarkets has donated $1.3 million to enhance child health and wellness in New England and New York through their “Eat Well, Be Well” initiative. This funding will support various programs that promote healthier eating and physical activity among children, aiming to reduce chronic disease risks. Notable beneficiaries include Full Plates Full Potential and Community Servings, among others. Additionally, $60,000 in gift cards will be provided to community partners for purchasing healthy snacks.
In conclusion, Hannaford Supermarkets’ significant $1.3 million investment into child health initiatives exemplifies their dedication to fostering healthier communities. By supporting programs that encourage nutritious eating and active lifestyles, they aim to combat childhood obesity and its health implications. Collaborations with various organisations across New England and New York will provide resources and education needed for a healthier future. Ultimately, this initiative not only benefits children but also sets a solid foundation for vibrant communities for generations to come.
Original Source: www.manilatimes.net
