Food Lion has announced that the Guiding Stars Nutrition Navigation System has officially launched in all of its stores.
Developed by an independent scientific advisory panel of experts, Guiding Stars is the first system of its kind in the United States and follows a specific algorithm for labeling food items based on their nutritional content. The number of stars ó one, two or three ó on the product’s shelf tag represents the nutritional value of the food item, with three stars being the best choice.
“Based on initial research, our company has experienced a positive response from customers who desire assistance with nutritious shopping for themselves and their families,” said Ken Mills, Food Lion’s vice president of sales and marketing. “With this innovative system, Food Lion stores are providing shoppers with an easy-to-use approach to make the best dietary choices.”
New England-based Hannaford Bros., sister company under Brussels-based Delhaize Group, inaugurated Guiding Stars in 2006. Food Lion’s Bloom Supermarkets banner launched it in its 61 stores last month.
More than 28,000 food items in each of Food Lion’s 1,200 plus stores were analyzed. One star means good nutritional value; two stars, better nutritional value; and three stars, the best nutritional value. If the shelf tag has no stars, it means the food doesn’t meet the criteria for a star or the food is not rated. For example, bottled waters and other items with less than 5 calories per manufacturer’s serving are not rated.
The third-party panel’s ratings for the Guiding Stars system were drawn from labeling standards and nutrient levels set by national health organizations that have determined those most beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. Guiding Stars supports the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans that the government recently released.
The Guiding Stars system only uses information readily available to consumers on the Nutrition Facts labels and the ingredient lists, which are right on the food package. If the food is not packaged, like fruits, vegetables and meats, the data comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Vets join Animal Clinic
Two associate veterinarians recently joined the staff at Rowan Animal Clinic, 4155 Statesville Blvd.
Dr. Juston Schmidtke joined in June, and Dr. E.J. Kennedy in July.
Schmidtke, a graduate of Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, will practice both small and large animal medicine.
Kennedy, a graduate of Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine, will practice small animal medicine and surgery.
Business seminars
Free seminars will be held this fall by the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for people thinking about starting or currently operating their own businesses.
The seminars, which cover a range of small business topics, include:
– Best Businesses to Start Now, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 7, RCCC North Campus, Salisbury, Building 200, Room 261; and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 12, RCCC’s Cabarrus Business & Technology Center, 660 Concord Parkway N., Concord.
– Business Start-Up, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and Nov. 6, RCCC North Campus, Building 200, Room 261; and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Kannapolis Train Station, 306 N. Main St.
– Funding Your Business, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 20, Kannapolis Train Station; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 26, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and Nov. 20, North Campus Building 200, Room 261.
– How Do I Market My Small Business, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 4, North Campus Building 200, room 261.
– Successful Marketing for the Artisan and Craftsperson Part I, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and Part II, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
– Business Website Trends, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 20, the Plaza Building, 100 W. Innes St.
– Five Best ways to Promote Your Business Website, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
– Going Global: Doing Business in China Part I, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and Part II, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
– LEAN Principles for Small Business, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 11, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
– Tax Planning and Reporting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 9, RCCC North Campus Building 200, Room 261; and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
– Make Your Customers Love You, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 17, Kannapolis Train Station; and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Cabarrus Business & Technology Center.
For more details, call 704-216-3512, e-mail sbc@rowancabarrus.edu or visit www.rowancabarrus.edu/sbc/
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Linda Braswell compiles the Rowan Roundup of companies, organizations and individuals. You can submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to her at the Salisbury Post, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639; fax it to 704-639-0003; or e-mail lbraswell@ salisburypost.com. Please include a daytime phone number.