WASHINGTON, DC — July 1, 2004 — Employing nutrition professionals, supermarkets can help consumers pinch pounds and pennies and find solutions to whole health, according to a new manual published by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI): Supermarkets and Nutrition Professionals — A Strategic Alliance.

     
“The obesity epidemic has been a call to action for the industry, and food retailers and wholesalers are ideally positioned to address this public health issue,” said FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. “Drawing upon the expertise of nutrition professionals, the industry can develop proactive strategies to promote health and fitness for consumers and, at the same time, drive top-line growth. The FMI manual provides an excellent roadmap for such alliances.”

     
The publication is approved by the American Dietetic Association for continuing professional education credits for registered dieticians. It details the career opportunities that the industry offers experts in nutrition, including positions in marketing, advertising, product development, prepared foods, natural and organic products, meal solutions, cooking schools, pharmacies, food safety, quality assurance and whole health. For information on the manual and a related test for nutrition professionals to receive education credits, visit the Web Site www.fmi.org/consumer.

     
The manual features numerous successful programs that nutrition professionals can help supermarkets develop, such as:

• Affordable Nutrition — Include healthful recipes in store ads for items on sale, produce in season and other low-cost items.
• Addressing Childhood Obesity — Partnering with schools, supermarket nutritionists can educate students about sound diets in the classroom and conduct store tours identifying healthful products.
• Low-Carb Seminars — Help clarify the consumer confusion over low-carb diets through in-store courses.
• Health Fairs/Wellness Days — Partner with medical centers to test blood pressure, cholesterol levels and bone density. Dieticians offer samples of nutritious foods, recipes, coupons and information on how to stay healthy and fit.

     
The manual outlines the skills and knowledge that professional nutritionists need to succeed in the supermarket industry, such as public speaking, media relations, community involvement and ensuring that programs help meet company business goals.

     
It shows them how to prepare for a supermarket career, featuring a primer on the industry and guidelines on how to develop proposals for companies and manage effective programs. Success stories are featured throughout the publication, based on the experiences of the industry’s leading nutrition professionals.

To purchase Supermarkets and Nutrition Professionals — A Strategic Alliance ($35), please contact the FMI Store (202-220-0723, www.fmi.org/pub).