Congratulations Foodland!

Foodland continues its commitment to providing healthy choices for the people of Hawaii by expanding the number of Blue Zones Project Approved^™ grocery stores across the state from six to 11 locations. In partnership with the Hawai‘i Medical Service Association (HMSA), Foodland is one step closer to achieving Blue Zones Project approval for all 33 locations statewide!

Blue Zones Project Checkout Lanes

Foodland, Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated grocery store chain, celebrated these five Blue Zones Project-approved stores in Central Maui and Hawaii Island in February during Blue Zones Project approval ceremonies. The locations included Foodland Farms – Mauna Lani and Sack N Save – Kona on Hawaii Island and Foodland – Kehalani, Foodland – Kahului, and Sack N Save – Wailuku in Central Maui. 

“We’re pleased that since we implemented Blue Zones Project in these stores, our produce sales have risen 8 percent and our sales of natural items are up by 18 percent.” said Jenai Wall, chairman and chief executive officer of Foodland Super Market, Ltd. “Not only are we encouraging our customers to choose healthy options, but our bottom line has increased, which was an added bonus for us!” 

Blue Zones Project vice president Craig Petty presenting Foodland with their certificates of approval.

HMSA brought the Blue Zones Project initiative to Hawaii to create a healthier, happier Hawaii. The initiative works within communities nationwide to make the healthy choice the easy choice in the places we live, work, and play. Foodland, for example, began labeling its healthy merchandise and promoting fresh, local produce. Since then, stores have already received an increase in sales and positive feedback from customers.

“Foodland has been a tremendous partner from the very early days of our Blue Zones Project work,” said Elisa Yadao, senior vice president and chief communications and community engagement officer at HMSA. “From its corporate offices to individual supermarkets, Foodland brings Blue Zones to life for its ohana, employees and communities across the state.  We welcome the newest Foodland stores to our Blue Zones communities and look forward to working together to make healthy choices easy for Hawaii families.”

Congratulations Foodland Farms – Mauna Lani!

Foodland opened its first location in Honolulu in 1948. Nearly 70 years later, there are 33 Foodland and Sack N Save locations statewide with more than 2,600 employees committed to providing an outstanding grocery shopping experience. These grocery stores have achieved Blue Zones Project Approved status by successfully completing the Blue Zones Project grocery store pledge that includes the following:

• Each store created a Blue Zones Project checkout lane, which required an overhaul of one existing checkout lane. The converted lane replaced candy and soda with fresh fruits, granola bars, water, and other healthy options.
• The store layout is designed to display healthy options and fresh produce near the front entrance.
• Signs throughout the stores identify Blue Zones Project foods and healthy choices.
• The stores offer recipes from their in-house chef to help customers plan and prepare healthy meals.
• Cross-merchandising of grab-and-go fruits and veggies next to sandwiches promote healthy combinations over unhealthy ones. 

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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com