A+ School Rewards Return to Stop & Shop

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As many schools begin their fall session this week, the new school year also marks the return of the A+ School Rewards Program – an easy way for schools to earn money. Since the program launched in 2009 by The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, more than $1.5 million has been donated to local schools grades K through 12 to help subsidize their operating budgets. This year Stop & Shop has increased its contribution to help fund schools with a commitment of $2.5 million.  

How does the A+ School Rewards program work?  It's simple!

• To participate in the program, customers sign up and designate their chosen school(s) starting Thursday, September 8th, 2011 by visiting a Stop & Shop store or by visiting www.stopandshop.com.  

• Customers are encouraged to sign up or re-designate two schools to earn A+ School Rewards as soon as possible so their chosen schools can begin earning points when the program begins in October.

• After customers designate a school(s), A+ School Rewards points accrue with each purchase made using a Stop & Shop card beginning October 7th through March 29th. Beginning in November, current school totals can be found on the A+ website at www.stopandshop.com.

At the end of the school year, Stop & Shop will distribute the $2.5 million to the participating schools, based on the points earned. Schools can use the funds for technology, scholarship programs, summer programs, field trips, playgrounds and other educational needs. There is no limit to what schools can do with their A+ School Rewards.

"Stop & Shop is pleased to be able to do more for our schools this year," said Ron Onorato, president, Stop & Shop New York Metro Division. "School budgets are tight, families' budgets are tight. A+ School Rewards enables parents and customers to easily help their schools, simply by doing what they normally do: shop for groceries."

The A+ School Rewards Program is also offering many new opportunities that will help schools earn even more money to fund their projects.  

• Customers can earn double points on the purchase of select bonus products throughout the program. These items will be specially marked on the shelves throughout the store along with being listed on the website at www.stopandshop.com.

• Customers can earn triple points by purchasing Healthy Ideas® labeled items. Stop & Shop's exclusive Healthy Ideas product labeling system helps customers identify healthy options as they shop the aisles. In order to receive the Healthy Ideas distinction, a product must meet certain criteria related to total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar amounts developed by a team of register dietitians. Look for bonus items labeled on the shelves to earn bonus points for your school.

Another exciting program available for schools this year is Stop & Shop's new Kid Healthy Ideas store tours. Stop & Shop is partnering with Field Trip Factory to introduce the new field trip program that reinforces the nutrition and healthy living curriculum taught in local schools.  

"With increasing rates of childhood obesity in this country, Kid Healthy Ideas provides children with a fun and interactive way to learn about proper nutrition and health," said Mark McGowan, president, Stop & Shop New England Division.

Kid Healthy Ideas is free and helps children in grades pre-K through six develop and enhance skills in healthy living and nutrition, good oral care and exercise. Tour leaders are located in each participating store and are trained to modify field trips to be grade appropriate. In addition, children will have an opportunity to learn about ways to recycle and about environmentally-friendly products found in a grocery store as well as receive a complimentary activity book at the end of each tour as a reminder of what they have learned.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs nearly 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promotes general health and wellness -- with emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.

About Field Trip Factory

The industry leader for immersion learning since 1992, Field Trip Factory (FTF) has been creating meaningful learning experiences between businesses and communities through relevant, hands-on educational field trips for kids and seniors. With more than 30 trips offered in topics from environmental education to health and wellness, FTF field trips provide valuable, interactive life-skill lessons for all ages in an atmosphere of fun, which fosters best comprehension. Offered in 50 states, and underwritten by corporate sponsors, all FTF field trips not only meet learning standards, but are free as well. For more information or to schedule a trip, call (800) 987-6409, or go to www.fieldtripfactory.com.

SOURCE Stop & Shop