For ages, stores have enticed their youngest shoppers with sweet treats like cookies. Now, some major retailers are swapping out the sugar and offering free fruit for kids instead!
I had no idea these programs existed until I stumbled into this sign at Target last week. I just wanted a salted pretzel… and my banana-crazy kiddos were so excited to see this! Before I let them grab a snack, I snapped this photo and posted it to our Facebook page:
Shortly after, helpful reader Veronica pointed out that Fred Meyer has a similar (but better) program.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “We go into the store right into produce and they can choose a fruit. While eating fruit they are to busy to ask for other things.”
Fred Meyer and QFC stores still offer free cookies for kids. However, they launched the Fruit for Kids program to promote fruit as a fun, healthy treat. The clementines, bananas and apples at the Fruit for Kids stand in each store have been washed and had their stickers removed so they can be eaten immediately.
Wondering where you can score some free fruit for your kiddos on your next shopping trip?
The following retailers offer free fruit programs at some select locations. Please note that participation may vary by location.
- Albertsons
- Amigos
- Central Markets
- Fred Meyer
- Fresh Market
- Giant
- Kroger
- Martin’s
- PCC Natural Markets
- Piggly Wiggly
- QFC
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Target
- United Supermarkets
- Whole Foods Markets
Know another retailer that offers a free fruit for kids program? Let us know in the comments! =D
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The Meijer store on Shaver Road in Portage, MI also offers free fruit for kids. They move the stand around often, too, which gives us a fun game (find the fruit) and takes us around the produce section so kids can take an interest in the colorful, appealing displays.
Other Meijer stores probably offer this service, but I only shop at the one.
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing, Michele!