Bi-Lo has introduced a health-and-wellness initiative, “Bi-Lo thrive!,” which includes the services of a full-time registered dietitian to teach customers how to prepare healthy meals from affordable, easy-to-find foods in the Mauldin, S.C.-based grocer’s stores.

As well as interacting with customers during periodic store visits and at company-sponsored events, the new dietitian, Monica Amburn, will write a quarterly magazine offering healthy-cooking tips, fitness facts and other lifestyle recommendations. The free quarterly publication will be available in-store at all thrive! product displays in stores. The program will be supported by radio and circular advertisements, in which Amburn will call out program-specific items in detail.

Additionally, consumers can contact Amburn, a native of the South who’s fully conversant with the region’s rich culinary heritage, any time by e-mail at thrive@bi-lo.com for wellness, food and cooking-related questions and comments.

According to Bi-Lo president and CEO Michael Byars, “The addition of thrive! is just one more example of our commitment to the communities we serve and how we strive to provide customers healthy savings without sacrifice.”

“The most important concept I want to communicate to customers is that they have the power of choice when shopping at Bi-Lo,” said Amburn. “Through the thrive! magazine and my one-on-one interaction with shoppers, I want to show everyone that healthier options are available at all Bi-Lo stores. Making better shopping decisions and small lifestyle changes can make a huge impact on overall health and well-being.”