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A trail by The Channel Islands Co-operative Society to offer children visiting Grand Marché stores a free piece of fruit has been so successful that it will now become permanent.
In August, the Society announced that it was starting an eight week trial to encourage children to eat something healthy whilst they were in store shopping with their parents or carers.
‘We were hopeful that the free fruit initiative would be well received by our customers but we certainly weren’t expecting the overwhelmingly positive response we have had. As it was a trial, we were very keen to properly evaluate its impact and so we sought views from customers through social media and a survey,’ said chief executive officer Colin Macleod.
‘The feedback was incredible with so many parents thanking us for taking the initiative and saying that it was great to have an alternative healthy snack to keep children entertained during the shop, with some commenting that their children had tried fruit they didn’t normally eat. Health and wellness is a trend and as a retailer, we have an important part to play in championing health eating, particularly with encouraging young people to eat the recommended five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day.’
There will be no changes to the initiative as a result of it becoming permanent. Customers simply go to the customer services desk and take a piece of fruit from the selection on offer for every child who is with them. All of the fruit has been washed and is ready to eat.
‘Obesity is now regarded as a major global economic problem and the Channel Islands is no exception. This is The Channel Islands Co-operative Society doing something to tackle that,’ said Mr Macleod.
