Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, a partnership that promotes community health, has designated three Winn-Dixie stores as approved grocery retailers.
The project works with residents, businesses, schools, civic leaders, grocery stores, restaurants and faith-based groups in ZIP codes 32206, 32208, 32209, 32210 and 32244 to promote practices that support healthier living.
Partners in the initiative include Baptist Health, Brooks Rehabilitation, the city of Jacksonville, Community First Credit Union, Florida Blue, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Mayo Clinic, UF Health and United Way of Northeast Florida.
The project-approved Winn-Dixie stores are in Brentwood at 5210 Norwood Ave. in Gateway Town Center; Ortega at 5647 Roosevelt Blvd.; and at 8560 Argyle Forest Blvd.
Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie’s parent company, said in a statement that it achieved the designation by implementing the following enhancements:
Replacing candy at a dedicated checkout lane with options including fruits; granola bars; nuts’ and Blue Zones–approved recipe cards.
Adding signage to help customers make healthy choices, such as encouraging increased water consumption.
Creating Blue Zones parking spaces to encourage shoppers to park farther away from store entrances, promoting physical activity and daily movement.
Offering in-store promotions and training to inform employers and customers to about healthy habits. Stores will feature children’s activities, such as a scavenger hunt at “Free Fruit for Kids” stands.
Blue Zones is an national initiative based on studies of health, nutritional and environmental facets of communities where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives.
Communities and organizations seeking project designation must meet benchmarks that include participation from residents, employers, schools, restaurants and grocery stores, according to the Blue Zones Project website. These include forming a local steering committee, developing a community blueprint and securing community buy-in.
Winn-Dixie will mark the designation and its 100th anniversary with community events Sept. 24 at three Jacksonville stores: 10 a.m. at 5210 Norwood Ave.; 1 p.m. at 5647 Roosevelt Blvd.; and 3:30 p.m. at 8560 Argyle Forest Blvd.
Events will include vendors, chefs, food tastings and other activities. Winn-Dixie will donate $1,000 to four local schools that are Blue Zones Project-approved or seeking approval.
“Community transformation is an integral part of our work,” said Nicole Hamm, executive director of Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, in a news release. “Winn-Dixie continues to show their commitment to the community by making healthy options available and accessible to everyone.”
“This achievement reflects our century-long commitment to feeding and enriching the lives of our neighbors and investing in the health of the communities we call home,” said Adam Kirk, chief customer and digital officer for Southeastern Grocers. “Through our partnership with the Blue Zones Project, we’re making it easier for our customers to make nutritious choices that support wellness and longevity.”
The other Blue Zones-approved grocery stores in Jacksonville are Clean Greens Mart, 1807 W. 45th St., Suite 1; The Corner at Debs Store, 1478 Florida Ave.; The Farmery Bakery & Bodega, 1303 N. Main St., Suite 108; Premier Meats, 2401 W. Beaver St.; and Durkeeville & Co., 1801 N. Myrtle Ave.