Anyone who's unsuccessfully fought the lure of the candy and junk food that grocery store shoppers face in the checkout lane may appreciate a new initiative by a Utah-based healthcare system.
Intermountain Healthcare and Associated Food Stores have partnered with the Utah Department of Health to set up a Live Well Lane checkout stand in 43 of Associated's Utah grocery stores. These lanes feature healthy snacks selected by dietitians instead of the candy and single-serve junk foods usually offered.
“Providing healthy options at checkstands is a significant step forward in helping families make better choices” said Judy Harris, a nutrition consultant for Utah's Health Department.
Neal Berube, CEO of Associated and a board member of Intermountain, is proud of the program. “I'm grateful for the partnership between Intermountain Healthcare, the Utah Department of Health and Associated Food Stores. Together, we're providing options for our guests to help them meet their individual health goals.”
While the initiative is targeted at all health-conscious grocery store customers, a particular emphasis is being placed on children as easy prey of these impulse candy purchases. The program's kickoff event featured face-painting, games, healthy snack giveaways and samples, and educational booths on healthy eating
