Good idea for kids at local South African retailer

Sustainability comes in many guises. Corporates helping families get their kids to eat better is perhaps a less common sustainability initiative, but that's precisely what one of South Africa's local retailers is doing.

This retailer has put out a box of a variety of fresh, high quality fruit for kids under 12 to choose one to eat for free. They haven't put out the stuff that people wouldn't buy - wormy, old, weirdly-shaped, bruised - no, they've put out the stuff that you and I would pick out for our basket.

Frankly, I'd rather have the kids in my life chowing down on a piece of fresh fruit in the grocery store than begging for (and getting) an ice cream, chocolate bar, chips, soft drink or...well, you get the picture.

Other retailers have made a commitment to keep junk food out of the exit aisle. That's led to some almost comical substitutions of "healthy" snacks like kale chips or chickpea and sesame pop chips - health conscious consumers might jump on those (you tell me) but there's little risk kids will throw an enormous tantrum to score a pack of those on impulse.

So well done to our local South African retailers for doing their bit to help South African kids snack healthier!

How do grocery stores in your country help parents address the growing challenge of child obesity and poor nutrition?

I'm off to grab some grapes now. In liquid form. Happy Sunday!

Team South Africa banner designed by @bearone