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and make wiser choices.” Shoppers will find, for example,
that foods containing dark chocolate, which is rich in
antioxidants, will score higher than those containing milk
chocolate, which contains more sugar and cream.
Choosing nutritious food matters, says Dr. Katz, but
the bottom line is we want it to taste good too. The overall
nutritional quality index was developed with that goal in
mind. “By choosing a more nutritious option from among
the breads, cereals, pasta sauces, crackers, cookies,
candies, and on and on, you can keep eating all the food
varieties you currently enjoy, but perhaps with a keener
eye toward moderation.”
The index has such unlimited potential that a separate
company has been formed to manage the program across
the nation. A range of tools, including brochures and a
Web site, will help educate shoppers. Future plans include
using the system to develop healthy recipes.
Several other supermarkets have expressed an interest
in the index, but Hy-Vee is proud to be the first grocer in
the country to adopt the program. “When we’re put in a
position where we can make a difference in people’s lives,
we should take advantage of it,” says Hy-Vee CEO Ric
Jurgens. “This program has the potential to improve the
health of our nation.”
*Editor’s note: At the time this magazine went to press,
the program’s official name was in trademark review.
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seasons / hy-vee.com