Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets has announced a $1.3 million investment in programs that impact child health and wellness across New England and New York.
The latest chapter of Hannaford’s “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative, the funding will enhance programs that help children eat healthier and stay active with the goal of reducing risk for chronic disease.
The donations will be distributed to Full Plates Full Potential and Let’s Go! (Maine); New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and Regenerative Roots Association (New Hampshire); Cornell University (New York); and Community Servings and Project Bread (Massachusetts).
“It’s essential we provide children with the right tools to develop healthy habits at an early age,” said Mike Vail, president at Hannaford Supermarkets. “We’re incredibly proud to support these meaningful programs, which will create positive, lasting impact on the lives of children in our communities.
“By investing in the next generation today, we’re establishing the foundation for thriving communities tomorrow.”
Full Plates Full Potential will use the grant to help schools across Maine adhere to new federal guidelines by feeding children fresh, made-from-scratch meals.
“Hannaford’s support is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to ensure Maine kids have access to healthy, nutritious foods,” said Justin Strasburger, the organization’s executive director.
“With this funding, we have the opportunity to help schools provide fresh, locally sourced meals to our students, and we’re proud to work alongside Hannaford to end childhood food insecurity in Maine once and for all.”
Community Servings in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, plans to use the grant to expand its Food is Medicine Nutrition Program, providing scratch-made and medically tailored meals to children and families.
“Together, we are advancing the health of children experiencing nutrition insecurity and critical illness,” said David B. Waters, CEO of the organization.
In addition to the $1.3 million investment, Hannaford will provide a total of $60,000 in gift cards to the community partners. They can use them to buy healthy snacks, such as Hannaford Snack Pals, for kids.
Since Hannaford established the “Eat Well, Be Well – A Path to Better Health” initiative in September 2022, it has provided more than $4 million in funding to community organizations.
For more information about Hannaford’s community efforts and charitable giving initiatives, visit Hannaford.com/HannafordHelps.
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About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 189 stores in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, most with full-service pharmacies. It has nearly 30,000 employees.