Safeway and USDA Team Up for Healthier Americans

Safeway Inc. is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), to improve the health and well-being of Americans.

As a member of the USDA CNPP Nutrition Communicators Network, Safeway will work with a broad range of companies and industry organizations to develop and promote dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

"Empowering our shoppers and employees to make the right nutritional choices for themselves and their families is paramount in the way we do business," said Steve Burd, chairman, president and CEO for Safeway. "The USDA partnership underscores our commitment to health and wellness and provides a natural extension to the work we're already doing to help Americans make informed, healthier choices when shopping in our stores and in their daily lives."

This partnership marks the continuation of Safeway's food industry leadership as an innovator in health, wellness, and nutrition offerings. "Retailers are critical to helping our vision become a reality because they have the opportunity to impact and educate consumers at the store and on the shelf," said Robert Post, deputy director of USDA's CNPP. "We embrace the expertise [Safeway brings] to our efforts in encouraging Americans to adopt a healthier lifestyle."

Through in-store and online programs, innovative brands and expert pharmacy services, Safeway is committed to providing its shoppers with the knowledge and products they need to enjoy healthier lives.

Safeway is committed to educating consumers of all ages on healthy living. For example, its SimpleNutrition, a proprietary in-store, easy-to-read shelf tag system, was developed to help shoppers quickly find the right food and beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of their families. Safeway is also developing a fun and educational in-store tour program for kids spotlighting the major food groups and further establishing USDA MyPlate messages.

Safeway's continued emphasis on product innovation empowers shoppers to choose from an affordable selection of healthier offerings. Its brands range from O Organics -- the number one grocery retailer brand with more than 500 great-tasting USDA-certified organic foods -- to Eating Right, a line of better-for-you foods with more than 200 items that highlight dietary and healthy attributes on the front of the package. Most recently, Safeway introduced the Open Nature line which features products made with 100 percent natural ingredients from natural sources, with nothing artificial added. And the Safeway Culinary Kitchens team is constantly developing and testing healthy and high quality products shoppers can feel good about feeding their families.

Safeway's pharmacists also drive the company’s commitment to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. In addition to providing prescription services, pharmacists also offer education and consultation for a broad range of needs such as proper utilization of over-the-counter and prescription products, preventive care including immunization services, and management of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway operates 1,678 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $43.6 billion in 2011.