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An initiative dedicated to this very point is the opening in October 2013 of our Healthy Living Center*. Part of Hannaford Supermarkets, the Healthy Living Center, a truly pioneering facility, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. It welcomes Hannaford’s shoppers and employees to participate in a variety of programs that support healthy living and wellness. You can participate in group exercise, senior fitness classes or personal training sessions. People with specific health needs can try the “Pedaling for Parkinson” or diabetes prevention course.
Naturally, however, the story of the Healthy Living Center doesn’t end with exercise and sports. It’s also an information center: we have health experts available daily to answer questions regarding health needs. On top of that, nutrition seminars are organized to help educate people on topics like how to achieve a balanced diet.
It’s clear that information and education are going to be key elements to fighting global obesity and we applaud our Hannaford colleagues for their innovative and forward-thinking outlook on this issue. Of course, it’s not the first time Hannaford has been commended for their work on health and wellness. They also introduced the Guiding Stars nutrition guidance program in 2006 to make healthy choices easy for customers. Since then, the program has been extended to our other banners in the US, and adopted by other retailers and community organizations (such as schools and hospitals).
At Delhaize Group we realize there is still a lot to be done in the area of health and wellness and in the implementation of The Forum’s Health & Wellness Resolutions, but it’s examples like these than make us optimistic about our part in the future. And, with new commitments announced in June by The Forum’s Board, we have even more reason to believe that the retail industry can be part of the solution. We all understand the need and the challenges we face, but it really does require a multi-stakeholder approach and Delhaize Group will continue to play its part.
* Located inside the Hannaford Supermarket at 900 Central Avenue in Albany, NY, the Healthy Living Center represents a unique partnership between three leading Capital Region organizations that are committed to promoting health and wellness.
Megan Hellstedt
Vice President – Sustainability
Delhaize Group
