Houston – As families check off school supply lists and stock up on backpacks, Kroger says preparing kids for a successful school year goes far beyond what goes in their backpack.
Finding the correct school supply list can sometimes be one of the biggest back-to-school challenges.
A simpler way to shop for school supplies
Shayna Barrett, head of communications and public affairs for Kroger, says the company’s Back-to-School List tool is designed to make shopping easier for families.
Parents can scan a QR code in stores or visit Kroger online, enter their ZIP code, select their child’s school and choose the appropriate teacher to access the correct supply list. Items can then be added to an in-store shopping list or an online cart for pickup or delivery. Families with multiple children can also create separate lists for each student.
As the new school year approaches, Kroger Health says combining healthy habits with the right school supplies can help students feel prepared, confident and ready to learn from day one.
According to Danny Harper with Kroger Health and Wellness, a child’s overall well-being includes preventive care, healthy eating habits, quality sleep, regular physical activity and emotional wellness. Having the right school supplies also helps students feel prepared and confident when they walk into the classroom.
Here are a few ways families can help children start the school year on the right foot.
Fuel kids with healthy meals and snacks
Nutritious foods help support growing bodies, improve concentration and provide steady energy throughout the school day.
Harper recommends simple options such as bananas, Greek yogurt, lean proteins, apple slices with almond butter, trail mix and cubed cheese. Families looking for meal inspiration can also find recipes through Kroger’s Fresh Lane blog and use the OptUP app to compare the nutritional value of grocery items.
Make sleep a priority
A consistent bedtime routine can make a big difference once school starts.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends elementary school-aged children get between nine and 12 hours of sleep each night. Adequate rest helps improve focus, learning and overall health.
Encourage movement every day
Physical activity does more than keep kids active. It can also help reduce stress, improve mood and support long-term health.
Harper encourages families to build movement into their daily routines and limit recreational screen time whenever possible. Spending time outdoors is another easy way to help children stay active.
Practice healthy habits
Good hygiene remains one of the simplest ways to help prevent illness during the school year.
Parents should remind children to wash their hands with soap for about 20 seconds, roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Keeping lunchboxes clean and making sure kids stay hydrated throughout the day are also important habits that support overall wellness.
Stay current on physicals and vaccinations
Annual physicals give health care providers an opportunity to monitor a child’s growth, track developmental milestones and identify potential concerns before they become more serious. They also help ensure students are ready to participate in sports and other school activities.
Kroger Health also encourages families to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including Tdap, MMR and meningococcal vaccines, which help protect children and reduce the spread of illness in schools. Many Kroger pharmacies offer vaccinations without an appointment.
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