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THE SMART SHOPPER:
A Grocery Store Toolbox

The Smart Shopper Program is a food is medicine initiative designed to help low-moderate-income people on fixed budgets, develop healthier eating habits through nutrition and food literacy education, for better health.  Participants are empowered to make informed choices about the food they eat, while also learning how to save money at the checkout counter.  The program offers a virtual grocery store tour with free, self-paced lessons based on each section of the store.  Participants are introduced to new foods, learn about nutrient-dense foods, the importance of quality food and portions, how to read food labels, learn about processed foods, and more.

Because of the lack of nutrition education services available in many Texas counties, the Smart Shopper service is free and accessible to the public online and open to all 254 Texas counties including educators.  Community organizations can use the information and materials from the program to supplement the nutrition education that they provide to the public. This includes free lessons, social media education, a tool kit, and future in-person training. 

Food Data: Buying Habits of
Low-Income Consumers

Grocery Store Tour Tool Kit
A Toolkit for Professionals

This tool kit provides helpful data and research on grocery store education for those looking to build their own in-person grocery store education program.  The toolkit includes helpful information on consumer shopping and eating habits and provides an overview of grocery store education and intervention strategies for communities.

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THE GROCERY STORE TOUR:
Educational lessons for the public

Welcome to the FANN virtual grocery store tour.  Take a virtual tour of the five main areas of the grocery store.  This tour will increase your food literacy knowledge and give you the skills to help you make healthier food choices for you and your family.  It will also provide you with valuable information that will allow you to save money at the checkout counter when shopping on a budget.

The Produce Aisle:
Bright Colored Fruits and Veggies

This lesson teaches you about the health benefits of adding bright colored fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Play

The Produce Aisle:
Leafy Greens

This lesson teaches you about the benefits of adding leafy greens to your diet.  

Play

The Produce Aisle:
Buying in Season

This lesson teaches you about the benefits of buying in season.  

Play

The Produce Aisle:
Organic vs. Non-Organic

This lesson teaches you about the difference between buying organic versus non-organic produce. 

Play

Bakery & Deli:
Breads

This lesson teaches you about the differences in store breads and provides useful information to help you select the healthier option when shopping on a budget.

Play

Bakery & Deli:
Processed Deli Meats

This lesson reviews what processed meats are and what you should know to ensure you are selecting the healthiest option when shopping for yourself or your family.

Play

Bakery & Deli:
Tortillas

This lesson teaches you about the differences in tortillas and provides useful information to help you select the healthier option when shopping on a budget.

Play

Meat & Seafood:
Fish 

This lesson will compare the different types of fish and the health benefits of adding them to your diet.

Play 

Meat & Seafood:
Beef

This lesson will compare the different types of beef products including ground beef to help you make a healthier food choice.

Play

Meat & Seafood:
Chicken & Pork

This lesson discusses the different varieties of chicken and pork products, why protein is important for a healthy diet, and ways that you can save money but also stretch your food budget when selecting that protein for your next meal.

Play 

Dairy & Eggs:
Milk Products

This lesson teaches you about the differences in milk products and provides useful information to help you select the healthier option when shopping on a budget.

Coming Soon

Dairy & Eggs:
Egg Products

This lesson teaches you about the healthful benefits and disadvantages of eating eggs, and how you can save money at the checkout counter and more.

Play

The Center Aisle:
Nutrition Facts Label

This lesson teaches you how to properly read the nutrition facts label, also known as the food label.   Understanding the food label can help you make healthier and informed food choices for better health. 

Play 

The Center Aisle:
Processed Foods

This lesson describes the three categories of processed foods, and how additives and changes to the original food source can improve shelf life, give texture, add flavor, and impact your health.

Play 

The Center Aisle:
Frozen Fruits & Veggies

This lesson provides an overview about the benefits of buying frozen produce. The lesson identifies things you should look out for when buying produce at the grocery store, dethawing tips, ways you can save money and also minimize food waste at home.

Play 

The Center Aisle:
Frozen Meals

This lesson provides an overview of the benefits and disadvantages of buying frozen meals, things you should look out for when making your selections, and ways you can make the meal a bit healthier.

Coming Soon