Choose Healthy Now Campaign Launches at 7-Eleven Stores Statewide

The Department of Health launched its Choose Healthy Now campaign today in all 7-Eleven stores statewide.

The Choose Healthy Now campaign launched on Sept. 8, 2017 at all 7-eleven stores across the state. Photo Courtesy

As the newest partner in the campaign, 7-Eleven is increasing consumer access to healthier foods and beverages and highlighting better choices in some of the most visible areas of their 64 stores.

At a press event held at the Moanalua location, First Lady Dawn Ige honored 7-Eleven for their participation in the state’s campaign and tasted the new items, including the “Mrs. Ige’s Chicken Cilantro Sandwich,” which will be available to customers later this year.

“We are honored and excited to be part of an initiative that provides our customers with an easy and quick way to make healthy food choices,” said Greg Hanna, President and CEO of 7-Eleven Hawai‘i. “The Department of Health provided the expertise to make all the changes needed to highlight healthier options for our customers. We encourage other businesses to join us.”

Through Choose Healthy Now, 7-Eleven customers will be able to easily identify and select foods and beverages that meet nutrition guidelines set by the DOH. Customers are prompted to choose these healthier snack and drink items through signage and point-of-decision prompts, which enable the customer to make a quick but informed decision. Product placement and price incentive strategies were also used to encourage the selection of healthier items.

“The state’s new partnership with 7-Eleven will make a huge impact on peoples’ ability to make fast, easy, healthy snack choices,” said Lola Irvin, Chief of the DOH Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division. “With the addition of 7-Eleven’s important commitment to health, Choose Healthy Now can now be found in grocery and convenience stores, hospitals, cafeterias, and snack shops at more than 145 locations statewide.”

Aloha Island Mart and KTA have also partners in the campaign since 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Officials say that more than half of adults in Hawai‘i are overweight or obese (57.2%); similarly, 58.5% have been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. Annual direct healthcare costs for obesity among adults in Hawai‘i has been estimated at $470 million and an additional $770 million for diabetes. These numbers are expected to continue to rise in conjunction with national rates.

“Partnering with retail locations allows us to reach Hawai‘i residents where they make their everyday food choices,” said Director of Health Virginia Pressler.

Choose Healthy Now first began as a partnership between the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Ho‘opono Vending Program. It launched in May 2014 with six snack shops in state and federal government buildings on O‘ahu. Today, more than 145 retail locations across the state are promoting Choose Healthy Now.