CARLISLE, PA - Blue Zones Project Lehigh Valley is proud to announce that six local GIANT stores have officially become Blue Zones Project Approved™, marking a significant step forward in improving community wellbeing across Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley. GIANT is the first grocer in the region to receive this distinction.
GIANT achieved Blue Zones Project Approved™ after successfully completing a comprehensive set of evidence-based best practices designed to make healthier choices easier for customers. The approval was celebrated with a special in-store event at the GIANT located at 3300 Lehigh Street in Allentown and featured a ribbon cutting and certificate presentation, along with opportunities for community engagement and education.
GIANT stores that received Blue Zones Project Approval include:
- 3300 Lehigh St., Allentown
- 3070 Tilghman St., Allentown
- 3926 Linden St., Bethlehem
- 2174 West Union Blvd., Bethlehem
- 7150 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown
- 2651 MacArthur Commons, Whitehall
As part of the Blue Zones Project approval process, GIANT implemented a variety of impactful initiatives to support customer wellbeing. Highlights include offering in-store nutrition tours led by registered dietitians, utilizing the Guiding Stars® program to help shoppers easily identify healthier options, and promoting locally sourced products through dedicated signage and seasonal displays. The company also provides virtual nutrition education and cooking demonstrations, along with healthy recipes through its Savory magazine to inspire simple, nutritious meals at home.
In addition to enhancing the shopping experience, GIANT continues to strengthen its community partnerships throughout Allentown. Through collaboration with Blue Zones Project Allentown, the organization has supported initiatives such as Meals on Wheels holiday baskets, nutrition education events, and local community programming. GIANT plans to continue this momentum through quarterly community events in 2026 aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles.
“At GIANT, we are uniquely positioned to touch lives frequently and help our customers and their families on their wellness journeys,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company, in the recent release. “Working with the Blue Zones Project Lehigh Valley and earning the distinction is a testament to our commitment to creating healthier communities by empowering our customers to make small changes that add up.”
Throughout the approval journey, Blue Zones Project Lehigh Valley worked alongside GIANT to provide guidance, resources, and strategies to enhance existing initiatives and introduce new opportunities that support customer health and wellbeing.
“GIANT continues to be an outstanding community, partner, supporting initiatives such as Meals on Wheels holiday baskets, nutrition education events, and local community programming,” Brooke Griffiths, executive director, Blue Zones Project, Allentown. “We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to helping provide resources throughout the Lehigh Valley that make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
