Kids learn how to budget in Food City Shopping Experience

Food City of State of Franklin hosted Coalition 4 Kids in collaboration with Pepsi for a Food City Shopping Experience aimed at teaching children how to meal plan and budget. Twenty-one middle schoolers received a $50 Food City gift card on Friday with the challenge of using the sales brochure to shop for a healthy meal within their budget. The student who spent the least amount of money in creating their menu was awarded a $25 gift card, and all participants were given an additional treat from Starbucks. Coalition 4 Kids Community Outreach Director Lisa Clarke said the shopping experience prepares kids for the real world. "The ability to make good choices, whether that is knowing how to make a meal plan or knowing how to remain on budget, are essential life skills," she said. "We try to support kids academically, spiritually, physically and being able to be here to train them to make wise choices on food — that's going to have an impact on them for the rest of their life." Clarke said middle school is an ideal age to start, adding that early learning gives them the ability to build skills over time. "It really positions them for success, and that's ultimately what our goal is," she said. Food City Strategic Strategies Director Ross Purdy said two on-site nutritionists spend time in stores and in the community to engage guests in healthier eating, adding that the best advice is to plan in advance to stay within budget goals. "Plan, plan, plan," he said. "Go through what you have, make your grocery list and stick to that grocery list. At Food City, look at our weekly ad and our two-day sale. We want you to take advantage of the great offers that we have." Purdy said buying store brands and using the value card is also a great way to save. "We go to great lengths to make sure that the quality of the product meets the customer's expectations," he said. "We have a product guarantee on the products that if you're not satisfied, for any reason, bring it back to the store. But on average, a customer can save 10 to 15% of their grocery bill day-in, day-out, and in some instances, significantly more than that." Jason Smith, Pepsi Key Account Manager, said Food City and Pepsi have been sponsoring Coalition 4 Kids almost since its inception. "We're probably 20 or 25 years into Coalitions' 25-year legacy," he said. "It's just been phenomenal the last few years. We have accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in support for the Coalition and the kids it supports… It gets you excited, especially when you see a significant impact, and that's what we've been able to do here." Clarke echoed that sentiment, saying Coalition 4 Kids could not have the impact on the community it does without the support of Food City and Pepsi. "They have been longtime supporters, and they're just such a blessing to our children and our mission," she said.