H-E-B looks to keep customers healthy through new initiative

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — H-E-B is committed to improve the health of its customers by providing them with fresh, healthy and affordable food, and by supporting their healthy eating and weight-loss goals.

The retailer said its "Healthy at H-E-B" program will encompass several prongs, including an investment of about $20 million in lower prices on fresh produce, as well as a series of events that will encourage healthy eating and weight loss. For example, "Healthy at H-E-B" will include Healthy Savings Meal solutions, which are modeled after USDA My Plate guidelines and feature a bundle of at least four healthy ingredients that can be used to prepare a meal for a family of four for under $10 with a $4 dollar coupon. What's more, H-E-B also will host free screenings on the second Saturday of each month at all stores with a pharmacy for customers to learn their "numbers," including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and waist circumference.

“We are facing a health crisis in Texas,” H-E-B president and COO Craig Boyan said. “Last June, Texas was listed as the 13th most obese state in the nation. An estimated 64% of the total population and one in five Texas kids are now considered overweight or obese. Given our position as the leading food retailer in the state, we have a unique opportunity to help those who want to make a change for themselves and their families.”