Stop & Shop Holds Latest ‘Healthy Kids Summit’
At the Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.’s Aug. 19 “Healthy Kids Summit” at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I., the grocer received input from such community stalwarts as Pawtucket Red Sox infielder Tony Thomas (left, with young fans); the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket; Dr. Marjorie Nasin, director of clinical pediatrics and pediatric education at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island; and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
The free event, which attracted more than 300 local residents and customers, instructed parents, caregivers and kids on childhood obesity and how the community can unite to make sure children lead healthy lives by staying fit, eating healthfully and adopting a balanced lifestyle.
“As a grocery chain with close ties to New England, Stop & Shop is committed to fighting childhood obesity by encouraging small, simple changes in fitness and eating habits that make a big impact,” said Julie Menounos, nutritionist for Stop & Shop New England Division, in Quincy, Mass. “[The] Healthy Kids Summit provided relevant information on nutrition; exercise and balanced lifestyles that will help families make better decisions.”
Through its summits, Stop & Shop aims to inspire children and families to eat more nutritious foods and boost their physical activity levels while having fun.
At the most recent summit, the grocer's fourth, children and families took part in a short trivia game which enabled players to test their listening skills and show off their brainpower on the importance of nutrition, exercise and a balanced lifestyle. Following were a tour of the field; a high-energy obstacle course challenge, run by the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket; and tips and information on “healthy” finances from Citizens Bank, a Healthy Kids Summit partner. Additional features included a mini health fair and light refreshments.
“At the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, we believe in the importance of nurturing kids’ well-being through developing healthy habits at a young age,” said James R. Hoyt Jr., CEO of the organization. “Towards that end, Stop & Shop has been an incredible partner, and … this event … is a great opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with the community at large.”
“It is vital to the development and well-being of young kids of all ages to create a foundation of exercise and healthy eating habits,” added Lou Schwechheimer, VP and general manager of the Pawtucket Red Sox. “It is our goal to assist in building this foundation.”
A division of Ahold USA, Stop & Shop employs about 63,000 associates and operates more than 400 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.