Hannaford provides guiding star to health

Hannaford’s commitment to health and wellness made headlines back in 2006 when 
it implemented the innovative Guiding Stars system — the first storewide nutrition navigation system in the United States. Now, five years later, the company’s dedication to healthy living remains strong.


Since the program’s launch, more fresh items and private-brand foods have been added to the system. As of the end of 2009, there were more than 16,500 products that were “starred.” The star-rating system rates food products and prepared meals, and is now featured on shelf tags and in-store communication at the Hannaford, Food Lion, Bloom and Sweetbay banners. Through licensing, Hannaford introduced Guiding Stars to 
universities in New Hampshire and Maine and to a public school system in Maine where it used it to star-rate prepared meals. 


The retailer also is leveraging technology to help shoppers live healthier lives. By visiting MyHannaford.com, shoppers can make up to 10 personalized shopping lists, access their shopping list from their smartphone and set preferences for dietary restrictions.


The grocer also offers free nutrition classes across New England, covering such topics as eating for healthy blood sugars and prenatal nutrition. Registered dietitians lead the classes, and free samples are given out at every class.


Furthermore, in early 2010, Hannaford, which is owned by Belgium-based Delhaize Group, became the first grocer in the United States to introduce the ”Keep Local Farms” initiative at all of its stores. The program is designed to assist fundraising for local dairy farmers and to ensure a local fresh supply of milk.


Meanwhile, in addition to offering such pharmacy services as free blood-pressure checks and free flavoring of liquid medications, the grocery continues to offer its Healthy Saver Plus program to help patients save money on prescriptions, vision care, hearing aids, certain diabetic supplies and more.