In light of the grocery store’s dual role as one of the most visited destinations in American life and its unique position to help impart trusted, sound nutritional information and education, Roundy Supermarkets’ Pick ’n Save, Copps and Rainbow banners have joined forces with Chicago-based Field Trip Factory to invite area classrooms to take part in its “Be a Smart Shopper!” program.

The program will enable children to explore the aisles of Pick ’n Save, Copps and Rainbow stores while offering tools, ideas and information to help them fight obesity and learn the importance of health and wellness, how to plan meals easily, and how to make good food choices through discussion and sampling.

“Our stores are dedicated to finding new ways to help educate children about the importance of making beneficial food choices,” said Bob Mariano, chairman and CEO of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s. “It is important that we start early to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.”

“The Be a Smart Shopper! program brings learning to life in the classroom and in the community,” added Field Trip Factory president Susan Singer. “Through our partnership with Roundy’s, we are providing an experienced-based learning opportunity that delivers positive change in the behaviors and attitudes that affect our children’s health and well-being.”

Studies show that hands-on learning experiences increase lesson retention by 85 percent. However, school funding for such experiences, like field trips, is being cut across the board. Singer said that store field trips help make hands-on learning more accessible.

Roundy’s new kid-focused program is free for children in grades pre-K through 6, and each field trip is modified by trained tour planners to be grade-appropriate. The trips are 60 to 90 minutes in length, and limited to 30 students per tour. Roundy’s stores have been conducting Be a Smart Shopper! tours since 2004.

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. operates 154 retail grocery stores and 88 pharmacies under the Pick ’n Save, Copps, Rainbow and Metro Market banners in Wisconsin and Minnesota.