USDA and Safeway Join in a National Strategic Partnership to Improve the Nutrition and Well-Being of Americans

PLEASANTON, Calif., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), to improve the health and well-being of Americans. As a member of the USDA CNPP Nutrition Communicators Network, Safeway will work with a broad range of companies and industry organizations to develop and promote dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

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"Empowering our shoppers and employees to make the right nutritional choices for themselves and their families is paramount in the way we do business," said Steve Burd, chairman, president and chief executive officer for Safeway. "We are very excited about the USDA partnership as it underscores our commitment to health and wellness and provides a natural extension to the work we're already doing to help Americans make informed, healthier choices when shopping in our stores and in their daily lives."

As the largest national grocery chain to become a National Strategic Partner in the Nutrition Communicators Network, Safeway is well positioned to help drive the group's food retail-based effort. This partnership marks the continuation of Safeway's food industry leadership as an innovator in health, wellness, and nutrition offerings.

"Retailers are critical to helping our vision become a reality because they have the opportunity to impact and educate consumers at the store and on the shelf," said Robert Post, deputy director of USDA's CNPP. "We look forward to partnering with Safeway and embrace the expertise they bring to our efforts in encouraging Americans to adopt a healthier lifestyle."

Through in-store and online programs, innovative brands and expert pharmacy services, Safeway is committed to providing its shoppers with the knowledge and products they need to enjoy healthier lives.   

Safeway In-Store Educational Programs

Safeway is committed to educating consumers of all ages on healthy living. For example, SimpleNutrition™, a proprietary in-store, easy-to-read shelf tag system, helps shoppers quickly find the right food and beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of their families. Safeway is also developing a fun and educational in-store tour program for kids spotlighting the major food groups and further establishing USDA MyPlate messages.

Healthy Products at Affordable Prices

Safeway's continued emphasis on product innovation empowers shoppers to choose from an affordable selection of healthier offerings. Safeway's delicious, high quality brands range from O Organics™, the number one grocery retailer brand with more than 500 great-tasting USDA-certified organic foods to Eating Right™, a line of better-for-you foods with more than 200 items that highlight dietary and healthy attributes on the front of the package. Most recently, Safeway introduced the Open Nature™ line which features products made with 100% natural ingredients from natural sources, with nothing artificial added. And the Safeway Culinary Kitchens team is constantly developing and testing healthy and high quality products shoppers can feel good about feeding their families.

Safeway Pharmacists

As experienced health professionals, Safeway's Pharmacists exemplify Safeway's commitment to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. In addition to providing prescription services, pharmacists also offer education and consultation for a broad range of needs such as proper utilization of over-the-counter and prescription products, preventive care including immunization services, and management of chronic diseases like diabetes.

ABOUT SAFEWAY www.safeway.com

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,678 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $43.6 billion in 2011. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.       

SOURCE Safeway Inc.