COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio first lady Hope Taft toured a Giant Eagle supermarket recently in conjunction with the Ohio Food Industry Foundation to promote at-home family dining. Studies from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that children who participate more frequently in family dinners are less likely to turn to drugs, underage drinking and other illicit activities, according to the foundation. Stressing the message of familial unity at meal times, the foundation also introduced CartSmart, a newsletter that informs consumers about healthy food choices and on the benefits of family dinners, at a Giant Eagle in the Columbus region. "I'm encouraged that retailers want their customers to make healthy lifestyle decisions," Taft said. Ohio's division of the American Cancer Society backed CartSmart's ideals with a grant to the non-profit foundation, supporting the newsletter's publication. The foundation, which is part of the Ohio Growers Association, has been working with the grocery industry to provide consumers with healthy shopping tips and meal solutions since 1994. Pictured left to right: Tom Jackson, president and CEO, Ohio Grocers Association; Tonya Woodruff, director, Ohio Food Industry Foundation; Dave Daniel, regional vice president, Giant Eagle; Taft; and Kherry DeLorenzo, health promotions coordinator, American Cancer Society.
