Providing customer information and education

Our companies provide a wide range of information resources, services and educational opportunities to help customers and employees make healthy choices. Customer magazines, websites, in-store computers and nutritional advisors are just some of the ways we offer customers advice on healthy living.

Our U.S. chains Giant-Carlisle, Stop & Shop and Giant- Landover were honored in 2007 by the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) for their ongoing, innovative consumer health initiatives created to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables. They were among the first supermarket chains in the country to launch the "Fruits & Veggies - More Matters" program - a national health initiative geared toward eating more fruits and vegetables. The PBH praised Ahold USA's dedication to increasing awareness of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and helping consumers turn that awareness into action.

In Europe, Albert Heijn was given high marks by research agency GfK in its 2007 summer report for the information it provides to customers on healthy eating. The agency said this was particularly important as obesity is starting to become a serious problem in the Netherlands. Albert Heijn received the highest grade among Dutch supermarkets.

Many of our efforts are dedicated to teaching children healthy eating habits that will serve them throughout their lives. In September 2007, Albert Heijn launched an interactive website to teach children about various foods and their origins. Albert Heijn also organizes "Class Lunch", an in-school educational program, that explains the benefits of a healthy diet.

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Albert and Hypernova offer a Healthy Five project, set up in the produce department and aimed at educating children on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. At this Healthy Five "school", children can take part in a one-hour program that includes games and competitions aimed at fostering a positive attitude toward fruits and vegetables.

Many of our efforts are dedicated to teaching children healthy eating habits that will serve them throughout their lives.

Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover sponsors "Kids Corner", which uses popular television characters to deliver the healthy living messages to children.

Giant-Carlisle cooperates with Produce for Kids, a U.S. national program that promotes the importance of adding more fruit and vegetables to children's daily diets. In November 2007, Giant-Carlisle held a children's health fair at which health and safety experts talked to children and families about healthy eating and the importance of exercise. The event, featuring PBS KIDS characters, included several informative and interactive activities.

In 2007, Giant-Carlisle adopted the Stop & Shop/Giant- Landover school tour program. Giant-Carlisle conducted "Kid Healthy Ideas" store tours in 10 stores, hosting 132 tours that touched the lives of 3,300 youngsters. These educational store tours promote healthy eating habits to children ages five to ten years old. The initial launch was so successful that it has been expanded to an additional 50 stores in 2008.