Shaw's, Tom's Join to Promote Dental Health

Feb 14, 2007 3:00 AM

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarkets here, a division of Supervalu, Minneapolis, has partnered with Tom's of Maine, Kennebunk, Maine, for a program that aims to increase access to dental care and educates consumers about the link between oral and whole body health. During this month, Shaw's Supermarkets is helping support the initiative with circular ads, displays and donations of toothbrushes to dental programs. Together, Tom's and Shaw's will contribute over $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations to help the Vermont Dental Care Programs, Winooski, and Comprehensive Community Action based in Cranston, R.I. "Tom's of Maine and Shaw's Supermarkets are long-time partners in helping people throughout New England obtain quality products and support their communities," said Tom's of Maine co-founder and CEO, Tom Chappell. Tom's of Maine began the program in 2004 in response to the Surgeon General's report about oral health. The study found that over 120 million Americans have no dental insurance and many wait over 12 months for an appointment at a public dental clinic. "Oral health is such an important part of overall good health. Shaw's is proud to partner with Tom's of Maine to do our part in addressing this important effort," said Carl Jablonski, Shaw's president.