PG Honors Outstanding Innovation Among Retail Dietitians

6/6/2017

Community partnerships, in-store collaboration and need-specific initiatives: These are just part what define Progressive Grocer’s 2017 Retail Dietitian Outreach Innovation Award Winners.

On June 4, Progressive Grocer honored three retail banners and dietitians for their successful programs that promote awareness of, and easy access to, healthy solutions. The awards were part of PG’s fifth annual Retail Dietitian Symposium, which took place in Anaheim, Calif., June 3-5.

Coborn’s Delivers Healthy Meals

Coborn’s, St. Cloud, Minn., has added a new twist to its relatively new CobornsDelivers To the Table Fresh Meal Kits, making the offerings “chef-inspired, dietitian-approved” but still satisfying Minnesota families’ desire for “quicker home-cooked meals,” according to Coborn’s Supermarket Dietitian Emily Parent. Rotated seasonally, the spring/summer options include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, with less sodium, saturated fat or added sugar. Twelve items are currently available, including Street Tacos with Mexican Corn Salad, Mediterranean Salmon Patties with Superfood Kale Salad, and Chicken Curry over Cauliflower Rice.

Another unique element of To the Table Fresh Meal Kits is that they’re available without a subscription and can be ordered for same- or next-day delivery. Coborn’s will soon offer To the Table Fresh Meal Kits in-store as well.

All meals are fresh, not frozen, with all ingredients prepped; kits also give shoppers an introduction to products available in store. Included in each kit are recipe cards, plus descriptions of the level of labor involved and the spice level. All meals can be made in 45 minutes or less. Parent has also ensured additional information she believes shoppers will want to know: “gluten-cautious, good source of fiber, sodium-smart, high in protein, under 600 calories.”

View a slideshow of the event

Ravitz Family Markets, ShopRite of Marlton, Gluten-free Festival

Retail Dietitian Manager Ashley Cully recognized confusion that many of Ravitz Family Markets, ShopRite of Marlton in New Jersey, shoppers experienced as they tried to navigate their new, and often necessary, gluten-free lifestyles. With gluten-free options available throughout the store, Cully developed a storewide gluten-free sampling program that takes place during October, which is Celiac Awareness Month. With support of local organizations, including the South Jersey Celiac Support Association and Beyond Celiac, as well as 60 vendor companies, ShopRite of Marlton showcased a festival of grocery items, snack and meal ideas. New items were introduced to shoppers, and a raffle plus Halloween treats were incorporated into the festival.

Cully received support from all department managers, who helped with vendor engagement.

“This event really makes our customers happy and demonstrates that we have the options we’re looking for – even for those not on a gluten-free diet," she states. "It brings a lot of excitement to the store, and is a great way to connect with community organizations.”

Martin’s Supports Family Time

Martin’s Super Markets Family Passport to Play was developed by registered dietitian Kristin St. Clair, health and wellness advisor at Martin’s Super Markets, South Bend, Ind., and includes community participation from the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department, St. Joseph County Parks, the St. Joseph Health Department, the Healthworks! Kids Museum at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, and the Reducing Obesity Coalition of St. Joseph. All events are free and hundreds of families have benefited from healthful activities, exposure to new foods and healthy snacks, and well-being tips and support. 

Marketing materials, social media, and in-store signage promote elements such as a free produce item of the month for children, special events at the museum and parks, as well as prize drawings at events.

As a former dietitian with a health care services provider, St. Clair is in a unique position to bring together so many community members that share Martin’s goals of helping local families gain information and exposure to health and wellness resources. St. Clair says Martin’s Family Passport to Play has further benefited from the internal marketing and social media support at Martin’s.

“Martin’s wanted my role as RD to be the reliable source of nutrition education for the community. Everything I do is free or low cost for the community, and it’s because Martin’s supports [these initiatives],” St. Clair says.

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