GREENVILLE, S.C. – BI-LO is launching a new and innovative free field trip initiative chain wide called the BI-LO Food Detectives Program, which is focused on helping children make healthy eating choices. Throughout the experience, children will participate in engaging activities that help them learn about the power of produce, the principles of the USDA’s MyPlate initiative, understanding shelf and nutrition labeling and how whole grains, vitamins and minerals benefit the body.
Since grocery stores are the primary source for all food needs and one of the most visited destinations in American life, BI-LO believes it is the perfect opportunity to educate children to make the choice to eat right for their personal health and wellness.
“Showing children in the Greenville community how to choose healthy food is essential. Learning about nutrition at their local BI-LO in an interactive way can help make the lessons seem more relevant and fun, which can then translate into forming habits that will benefit them throughout their entire lives,” said BI-LO thrive!TM Registered Dietitian, Monica Amburn, RD, LD.
Based on the MyPlate teaching methods for health education and BI-LO’s own thrive! program, BI-LO Food Detectives was designed by Amburn and developed in partnership with Field Trip Factory, Inc. The fun initiative is appropriate for children in grades kindergarten through five, aligns with local learning standards and is offered free to all elementary schools, as well as to Scout groups, homeschoolers, daycares and other community organizations.
The hands-on field trip experience works to develop and improve children’s skills in healthy living, nutrition and exercise. BI-LO tour leaders have been trained to adapt each field trip to be grade-appropriate to maximize the benefit for each child. Each tour lasts roughly 60 minutes so that the kids can tour each department of the store, learn about BI-LO’s nutritional tag program, Walter’s Pals and other important health and wellness tips. The tours conclude in the store café for a wrap-up session, fruit and vegetable samples and a presentation of goody bags for each child to take home to share with their parents.
The experience doesn’t end at the store, however. Each participant is given a report card to grade the fruits and vegetables tried during the experience. If the report card is brought back to BI-LO, the family will receive a special discount on the Walter’s Produce items liked by the Food Detective child on his or her field trip.
BI-LO Food Detectives will be offered at all BI-LO locations beginning this month. The inaugural tour will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the BI-LO located at 3619 Pelham Road with the Camperdown Academy.
To schedule a tour, go to www.fieldtripfactory.com/BI-LO or call 1-800-987-6409.
About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs. A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983. For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.
About Field Trip Factory
Since 1993, Field Trip Factory™ (FTF) has been creating meaningful connections between businesses and communities through relevant experience-based learning adventures. These Field Trips provide valuable lessons that are curriculum focused and fun for all ages. Offered in 50 states, all FTF Field Trips are free and align with local learning standards. For information call 800-987-6409 or go to www.fieldtripfactory.com.
Source: BI-LO
