Hannaford donates $1.3 million to advance child health and wellness
Hannaford donates $1.3 million to advance child health and wellness
Hannaford Supermarkets announced a $1.3 million investment in programs that positively impact child health and wellness across New England and New York. The funding is the latest chapter of Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative, which paves the way for healthier futures by increasing access to nutritious foods.
The funding will enhance programs that help children eat healthier and stay active with the goal of reducing risk for chronic disease. The donations will be distributed to Full Plates Full Potential and Let’s Go! (Maine); New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and Regenerative Roots Association (New Hampshire); Cornell University (New York); and Community Servings and Project Bread (Massachusetts).
Nationally, almost 20 percent of children aged 2-19 are considered to have obesity. The statistic highlights a growing need to address the potential long-term impacts of obesity on the physical health of children, including an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The funding from Hannaford will not only support greater access to healthy food but also improve nutrition education resources for children — ultimately fostering a healthier future for the entire family.
“It’s essential we provide children with the right tools to develop healthy habits at an early age,” said Mike Vail, president of Hannaford Supermarkets. “We’re incredibly proud to support these meaningful programs, which will create positive, lasting impact on the lives of children in our communities. By investing in the next generation today, we’re establishing the foundation for thriving communities tomorrow.”
In addition to the $1.3 million investment, Hannaford will provide a total of $60,000 in gift cards to the community partners. The partners can use the gift cards to purchase healthy snacks, such as Hannaford Snack Pals, for children, further supporting their shared mission to enhance nutrition and well-being in the community.
