With the countdown on for the first day of school, the team of dietitians and pharmacists from The GIANT Company, known locally as GIANT’S, have simple ways to update immunizations, restock health essentials, and stock affordable snacks and meal solutions, a spokesperson for the supermarket said.
“Back-to-school can be a stressful time for many families, but a little preparation now can deliver big value later, by saving time and helping your family get ready for a healthy and successful school year,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “Our pharmacists and dietitians are both great resources in providing ideas and inspiration to help navigate whatever health and wellness curveballs the back-to-school season may throw to you and your family.”
Now is the ideal time to make sure children are up to date on required immunizations and physicals. GIANT’S pharmacists can help families navigate immunization requirements, answer questions, and provide convenient access to recommended vaccines. Scheduling school-required vaccines before the school-year rush can help families avoid last-minute stress and ensure students are ready for the first day.
It’s also a good time to review and update Medication Action Plans and Allergy Action Plans. If your child requires medication at school, confirm that the school has current prescriptions and documentation for inhalers, insulin, epinephrine devices, and other necessary medications. Coordinate prescription refills now with physicians and your local GIANT’S pharmacy to avoid interruptions once school and extracurricular activities begin.
Be prepared for when illness or injury may strike at home by checking medicine cabinets and first aid kits for expired medications and supplies. Restock essentials such as pain relievers, fever reducers, antihistamines, antibiotic ointments, and bandages. A well-stocked first aid kit can help families handle everything from scraped knees to seasonal illnesses and bee stings.
The GIANT’S dietitians recommend creating a back-to-school snack station with budget-friendly staples that are easy for kids to grab after school. Affordable pantry favorites include granola bars, applesauce pouches, trail mixes, whole grain crackers, nut butters, and fruit cups. These simple, balanced snacks can help keep kids energized while avoiding costly last-minute food purchases.
Families can also stretch their grocery budget by planning ahead, taking advantage of weekly promotions, and choosing versatile kitchen staples that can be used for lunches, snacks, and quick meals throughout the week.
Customers can also help by supporting Partnership for a Healthier America’s good work: using your GIANT card from Aug. 21 – Sept. 3, for every $10 spent on participating items, GIANT will donate $5 to Partnership for a Healthier America’s work to advance access to nutritious food for families in need. Maximum donation of $100,000, said GIANT officials.
Looking for more easy and affordable inspiration? Click here to register and join the GIANT’S dietitians for a free, virtual Back-to-School Breakfast class on Aug. 27 at 12 p.m. .
Click here to visit GIANT’S website a and click the Pharmacy or Wellbeing tabs at the top of the page for more ideas.