Through efforts of the local Healthy Living coalition, the guesswork surrounding some grocery shopping decisions has been reduced.
Signage, like this shown recently at Steve’s IGA in Urbana, were installed this week at the store in DeGraff to promote healthier food choices for consumers. (PHOTO | MARY RUTAN HOSPITAL)
In a joint venture with Steve’s IGA in DeGraff, shelf labels and signs with tips about a particular product category were implemented throughout the store.
“Making decisions about what to purchase at the grocery store is a challenge for many consumers,” reported Christie Barns, community relations coordinator at Mary Rutan Hospital and who chairs the coalition.
“Nutrition facts labels can be confusing and cumbersome to understand. Many studies show that consumers have particular difficulty deciphering nutrition information from current labels. These studies suggest that simple shelf-labeling systems, like Healthy Habits, Healthy You, make these decisions easier.”
The products selected for the signage represent many of the frequently purchased healthy items that are available at a grocery store.
The tips on the signs can help make decisions about the best choices in each category. For example, select 100 percent whole grain bread instead of white bread, and 100 percent fruit juice instead of lemonade. Choose cereals that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber.
Some 20 grocery items were tagged as healthy choices and partnered with a tip, including bread, peanut butter, milk, canned beans, tuna, fruits and vegetables; frozen fruits, vegetables, French fries and dinners; baked potato chips, fruit juice, olive oil, yogurt, eggs, water, cereal and fresh vegetables and fresh fruit.
“Along with tagging grocery items, Steve’s IGA in DeGraff has graciously allowed us to promote the branding throughout the store with various signage showing their commitment to a healthier community,” Barns noted.
The coalition was developed in response to the Logan County Community Needs Assessment survey and plans call to increase participation of food sites annually.