Share Our Strength Launches Store Tours

SN STAFF

WASHINGTON — Share Our Strength, the non-profit group focused on ending child hunger in the United States, has announced the launch of Shopping Matters, a series of guided store tours that help low-income adults make healthy, affordable choices at their local supermarket.

The tours will teach participants practical tips for purchasing fruits and vegetables economically, saving money by comparing unit prices, and making healthier choices by reading food labels and ingredient lists. Funding from the Walmart Foundation and the ConAgra Foods Foundation will allow the tours to be offered free of charge to local facilitators and participating low-income adults.

“We know that many families in our communities have a difficult time shopping for groceries that are nutritious and affordable,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Shopping Matters presents a great opportunity for the Walmart Foundation to help teach families how to stretch their dollar and eat healthy.”

Pilot tours were held in 32 supermarket locations throughout the country last spring, and they appeared to have an impact. Ninety-seven percent of participants said they liked or “really liked” the tour; 61% said they plan on comparing unit prices in the future to find the best deals; 63% said they would be reading ingredient lists to find nutritious ingredients such as whole grains; and 60% said they would compare food labels to find the healthiest choice.