Hi Macaroni Kids families!
While usually, I like to share recipes with you, this month I want to switch things up a bit by sharing something a little different.Grocery store shelf labeling systems can help you easily find better-for-you foods for your family. Giant Food offers two shelf labeling systems – HowGood and Guiding Stars - that serve two separate purposes.
I’m sure you’ve noticed all the claims on labels- from “non-GMO” to “natural” “fair trade”, which can feel confusing at times.HowGood assesses food, personal care items and other household products for environmental, health, and trade impacts. Products that meet requirements receive a HowGood rating of “Good”, “Great”, or “Best”, while those that fall short of requirements are not rated. Products are analyzed for ingredient sourcing, chemicals, processing, packaging, shipping and labor practices. There’s even an app that busy families can use at home while looking through your pantry at home. For more information, check out www.howgood.com.
If you are looking for a simple way to find foods that are the most nutritious for your family, Guiding Stars is the answer! Guiding Stars follows a specific algorithm with credits and debits. Guiding Stars does not label foods as good or bad, but rather guides you to foods with more vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, whole grains –and less fats, cholesterol, sugar and sodium. Foods receive stars based on nutritional value: three stars (best), two stars (better), one star (good), or zero stars (below the minimum algorithm score). The system is objective, based on consumer research, and not influenced by price, brand or manufacturer trade groups. And, the Guiding Stars team includes dietitians who help set the algorithms! It’s like having a nutritionist shopping with you 24/7! For more information, visit www.guidingstars.com.
Of course, there is no rating or label that can substitute for individual and family nutrition counseling so feel free to reach out to me directly with questions. I’m happy to help you and your family meet your health goals any time with a consultation or grocery store tour!
Until next time, eat well!
Emily
Emily Craft, RDN, CSP, LDN is an in-store nutritionist for Giant Food. Emily has her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and completed her Dietetic Internship through Sodexo in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Emily’s background is in pediatrics and weight management and she loves helping families come together to enjoy healthy, delicious meals.For more information, go to https://giantfood.com/live-well/health-and-wellness/nutritionists/.
