Martin's Tests Healthy Checkout Lanes

RICHMOND, Va. — Martin’s Food Markets is rolling out “Healthy Ideas” checkout lanes at eight stores in this market in an effort to promote more healthful eating, the chain said Thursday.

Martin’s, which is operated by Ahold’s Giaint of Carlisle, Pa., division, said it is working with the Richmond City Health District and Greater Richmond Fit4Kids on the project, through which it is merchandising items like fruit, nuts and juice in the checkout aisles.

“Martin’s is excited to be the pioneer grocery store in the Richmond area to offer healthy food and beverage items in select check-out lanes,” said Valerie Waters, in-store nutritionist at the chain. "We think our moms and dads, in particular, will appreciate a check-out lane with items that are not full of added sugar and unhealthy fats, which tempt all of us on our way out of the store.”

The Healthy Ideas checkout lanes (pictured left) contain both national and Martin’s brand perishable and shelf-stable items. The exact selection of products vary by aisle and store. Other items include snacks from Ahold’s Nature’s Promise natural and organic section private label and nutrition bars.

Earlier this year, SN reported that Hy-Vee was rolling out a similar initiative called Healthy Bites in more than 100 of its stores in Iowa.

Read more: Grocers Join Bid for Healthy Iowa

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