Grocers call in the nutritionists

Excerpts from the Orange County Register

The Albertson's chain Healthy Eaters tour – a program launched this month, includes 44 markets in Orange County. The field trips are designed to educate children – and their parents – how to make healthier food choices. Last year, Albertson's hired the chain's first corporate nutritionist. "With the grocery store being one of the most visited destinations in our everyday lives, we have a tremendous opportunity to educate children and their families about nutrition," Diller says. Last year, Stater Bros. also hired its first corporate dietician to remind shoppers that good-for-you foods can be found at the chain. The move by both chains represents a seismic shift in strategy for traditional supermarkets, which are not commonly viewed as the No. 1 destination for health-conscious shoppers. But, with alternative stores such as Whole Foods Market, Henry's Farmers Market and Trader Joe's eating away at market share, industry experts say traditional markets are smart to offer free and easy nutritional advice for consumers.

Steve - this is all well and good as long as the shopper is getting the right advice. As we have seen in the past, a nutritionist/dietitian's knowledge varies greatly depending upon the individual.