Written By: Chastity O'Quinn, RDN, LDN

For many families, grocery shopping is more than just filling the pantry. It's an opportunity to make choices that support health, energy, and well-being for every member of the household. From packing school lunches and planning weeknight dinners to accommodating special dietary needs, today's families have a lot to consider when navigating the grocery store. Fortunately, Food City's Pick Well program helps make healthy shopping easier. 

Available both in-store and online, the Pick Well program uses shelf tags to help shoppers quickly identify foods that support a variety of nutrition goals. Whether you're looking for heart-healthy ingredients, trying to add more fiber to family meals, or searching for foods that fit a child's dietary restrictions, Pick Well takes some of the guesswork out of grocery shopping. 

Families often have different nutritional needs under the same roof. Parents may be focused on heart health, while growing children need nutrient-dense foods that support learning, sports, and daily activities. The Dietitian's Pick tag can be especially helpful because it identifies foods that are lower in added sugars and saturated fat, moderate in sodium, and made with healthier oils. These products offer a simple way to build balanced meals the whole family can enjoy. 

When planning meals, many parents look for foods that support long-term health while still appealing to younger taste buds. The Heart Healthy tag helps identify products that are lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, making it easier to incorporate heart-smart choices into family favorites such as sandwiches, soups, and pasta dishes. Choosing these items regularly can help establish healthy habits that benefit every generation. 

School lunches are another area where Pick Well can be a valuable resource. Parents searching for nutritious lunchbox options can look for foods labeled as a Good Source of Protein or Good Source of Fiber. Protein helps children stay satisfied throughout the school day, while fiber supports digestive health and helps keep hunger at bay between meals. These tags can make it easier to select snacks and meal components that provide lasting energy for busy school days. 

For families trying to reduce sodium intake, the Low Sodium tag offers a quick way to identify products containing 140 milligrams of sodium or less per serving. This can be particularly useful when choosing packaged lunch items, canned goods, soups, and convenience foods that often contain hidden sodium. Small changes like selecting lower-sodium products can make a meaningful difference over time. 

Breakfast is another important opportunity to support family health. Foods carrying the Whole Grain tag make it easy to find cereals, breads, oatmeal, and other grain products that provide fiber and important nutrients. Starting the day with whole grains can help fuel both children and adults while supporting overall wellness and providing steady energy throughout the morning. 

Many families are also looking for ways to reduce added sugars without sacrificing convenience. The No Added Sugar tag helps shoppers identify products made without added sweeteners, making it easier to find better options for beverages, yogurt, fruit products, and snacks. This is especially important because added sugars are often hidden in foods marketed to children, including flavored yogurts, juice drinks, cereals, granola bars, and snack foods. Consuming too much added sugar over time can contribute to excess calorie intake and increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Choosing products with no added sugar can help children develop healthier taste preferences while making it easier for the entire family to enjoy nutritious foods that support long-term health. Simple swaps, such as packing no sugar added applesauce or fruit cups in a lunchbox, can have a lasting impact. 

For households managing food allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions, grocery shopping can be especially challenging. The Gluten Free tag helps parents quickly identify products that are designated as gluten free by the manufacturer on the product label. Whether you're packing lunches for a child with celiac disease or preparing family meals for someone with gluten sensitivity, this tag can save time and provide peace of mind. 

Healthy eating doesn't require a complete overhaul of your grocery cart. Small, consistent choices add up over time, and Food City's Pick Well program helps families make those choices with confidence. By highlighting nutritious options throughout the store, Pick Well allows shoppers to spend less time deciphering labels and more time focusing on what matters most: creating healthy meals and memories around the family table. 

The next time you visit Food City, look for the Pick Well tags throughout the store and online. They can help guide your family toward healthier choices, one shopping trip at a time. To learn more, visit FoodCity.com/PickWell.