Supermarket Chain Offering Store Tours to Teach Label-Reading

ShopRite this month is offering store tours in an effort to teach customers on how to read labels and make healthy diet decisions.

It's part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, officials for the grocery chain said.

Select ShopRite locations are offering free store tours led by in-store dietitians that focus on products and foods that assist shoppers managing diabetes or pre-diabetes.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our customers a one-stop-shopping experience that answers their questions, needs and concerns when it comes to taking care of themselves and loved ones who have been diagnosed with diabetes,” said Stephanie Perez, the retail dietitian supervisor at ShopRite.

During the diabetes store tours, which will be led by each store’s dietitian, participants will learn about label reading, controlling blood sugar through foods, meal planning, and will also have the opportunity to sample products and foods, store officials said.

In addition, the supermarket is offering free cholesterol and blood glucose screenings throughout November. Walk-in screenings are available at all ShopRite locations, no fasting needed.

“We can check both cholesterol and blood sugar levels with one simple test,” says Natalie Menza-Crowe, director of Health and Wellness at ShopRite. “Helping people to know their numbers is an important first step. With this knowledge, you can be sure you’re on a healthy path – or you can work with your doctor to make adjustments to get you back on track.”

Store officials said controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels are two actions included on the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7,” a group of key measures and behaviors that can help people stay healthy and lower their risk for heart disease, stroke and other major problems. About 40 percent of American adults have total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or higher, putting them at greater risk for heart disease, ShopRite officials said.

Likewise, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and one in four people with diabetes don’t know they have it, ShopRite officials said.

About 86 million Americans ages 20 years or older have pre-diabetes, ShopRite officials said. In prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, store officials said.

Menza-Crowe, shared some important tips to manage diabetes by making smart nutritional choices while at the supermarket:

• Make friends with the produce section. “There are countless ways to prepare fruits and vegetables so that they become a staple of your diet,” said Menza-Crowe.
• Read food labels. Paying attention to ingredients like carbs, sugars and fats while shopping is key to making smart purchasing decisions for your health.
• Opt for 100% whole grains such as brown rice, whole oats, popcorn, whole wheat breads and grains to get the most benefit out of breads, grains and snacks.
• Don’t fear fruit! Fruits contains carbohydrates but also contains important vitamins, minerals and fiber. “Factor whole fruit into your daily meal plan, but don’t go overboard,” says Menza-Crowe. “A snack and/or meal containing a carbohydrate, protein and fat will keep your blood sugars stable and will keep you feeling satisfied.”
• Make the grocery store work for you. “You can still enjoy your favorite sweets and snacks from time to time, but factor them into your day,” said Menza-Crowe. “The key is to set up a plan that works for you and your lifestyle. If you need additional assistance while shopping, ShopRite dietitians can help.”

ShopRite stores in Hartford county are:

• Canton — 110 Albany Turnpike.
• Enfield — 40 Hazard Ave.
• Manchester — 214 Spencer St.
• Southington — 750 Queen St.

Patch File Photo