“Back to Routine” with Jewel-Osco

A month ago I was invited to an Ease “Back to Routine” with Jewel-Osco blogger event.  It was an event where us moms got to hear about healthier food options, ways to save more money, and convenience as school starts and we flow into the holiday season.  The event was at the Fulton River District in Chicago, which is a Jewel-Osco that is about a year old.  The event started with a behind-the-scenes look at each department in Jewel, featured tips and insights from the Jewel-Osco chef and dietian, and a sampling of foods and beverages.

I have a Jewel-Osco about 5 minutes away and I have been shopping there more and more lately with their “Shop. Collect. Redeem.” Program (read my post here).  I was very curious about this event because I figured what could I learn from a grocery store, but I actually learned a lot!

The tour started with the Deli Department, where we talked with the Chef there.  I got to check out some kid-friendly snack ideas (check out some recipes here) , check out the Grab-n-go items (which all the nutritional information is available behind the counter), hear about Culinary Circle and try out some yummy dishes.  Culinary Circle is the chef inspired brand from Jewel that is inspired by some of today’s popular restaurants.  It is a great way to have gourmet food at home that is affordable and still high-quality!

Next stop was the Produce Department.  There we got to check out the Wild Harvest fresh herbs, taste some fruits and vegetables, and shown how to sneak in fruits and vegetables into kids lunches.  We walked up and down the produce section and were told that Jewel’s product is selected at the peak of freshness and there is a sign that designates what is “locally harvested.”

(Crazy fruit that I can’t remember the name of – but it was good!)

For Organic foods, many shoppers go to specialty stores and fresh markets, but Jewel actually has a decent natural and organic section, some even gluten-free.  The value was compared to participating in a co-op.  The organic brand at Jewel is called Wild Harvest and I found many that are kid friendly!  I actually am hooked on the Organic Wild Harvest Black Bean Tortilla chips!

The meat department was pretty self-explanatory but I did learn a few things.  The butcher showed us the different cuts of meat and explained how we can always ask the butcher for a type if it is not available.  He showed us how each package has preparation and usage directions, which is extremely helpful for someone kitchen-challenged like me!

(Just a sample of some healthy Jewel brand products)

The pharmacy technicians encouraged everyone to get Flu shots and talked about the upcoming cold and flu season.  We also learned about the Equaline brand which is the Jewel brand for medicines and how it is regulated so it is just as effective as the popular brands.

Finally, we finished off the event at the Wine and Spirits department, which was perfect for me since I had my kids with me who were driving me crazy!  We got to sample wines and a non-alcoholic mojito – delicious!  The wine was paired with different cheeses and appetizers, definitely my favorite part of the tour!  I was so surprised to learn about the reasonably priced wines and how big of a selection they carry!

My tour of Jewel was surprising, as I never put that much thought into how much is in a store.  All the different product lines Jewel carries, the Organic section, local produce, and how helpful the associates can be if you just ask!  I actually tested this at my local Jewel the other day when I was looking for a certain bread that is usually by the Deli case.  The associate walked me all over until we found it and I wouldn’t have found it without her!  So overall, I had a great time not only mingling with other bloggers or eating all the yummy snacks, but I feel like Jewel-Osco is an old friend that I know really well now!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure:  I attended a Media Event at Jewel-Osco, but my opinions remain my own.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.