VALPARAISO, Ind. -- The Family Express convenience-store chain in Indiana has launched a Free Fruit For Kids program that it hopes will provide healthier food alternatives to children in its market.
Under the program launched this month, any child 12 years old or younger can grab a banana, pear or apple at no charge.
"We are committed to providing healthy alternatives to our customers," the company said on its website. "The Free Fruit For Kids program joins our storewide 'Better For You' initiative. If you pay a quick visit to our Cravin’s Market inside each store, you’ll find a healthy assortment of Greek and regular yogurts, fruit cups, veggie/snack trays and more."
CEO Gus Olympidis said he sees the program as an opportunity to get kids "addicted" to fresh, healthy foods.
“A permanent concern is that we want healthy alternatives, especially for kids," Olympidis told The Times newspaper.
The Valparaiso, Ind.-based company announced the rollout of the program via social media using the hashtag #FreeFruitForKids.
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