WESTOVER — The Somerset County Health Department has begun to conduct Grocery Store Tours within the local community at Food Lion supermarkets. These tours have been introduced as a means to offer both knowledge and educational resources to Somerset County residents.

The goal of the tour is to show consumers how easy it is to shop and  get the most nutrition for their food dollars. Tours are led by  Somerset County Health Department Community Health Educator Crystal Bell, who said, “Our job is to make the healthiest choices the easiest  choice! We want people to know that eating healthy doses not have to be expensive, but rather its knowing what to purchase.”

“Poor diets are a significant cause of obesity, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions that impose an economic burden on individuals and society overall.”

During the tour, participants practice key food shopping skills, such as buying fruits and vegetables on a budget, comparing unit prices, reading food labels, and identifying whole grain foods. Food Lion’s Guiding Stars, the nation’s leading nutrition guidance program, is also a key highlight during tours that influences grocery shoppers’ selections, significantly increasing demand for products that are rated more nutritious by a star ranking system, in comparison to those that are not.

Community organizations and groups are encouraged to be apart of these tours and contact the SCHD to reserve participant or group spots. Upcoming tour dates are scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Princess Anne Food Lion, and  Tuesday, May 31 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Crisfield Food Lion. For more information, contact Crystal Bell at 443-523-1760.