HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Health has a new partner its “Choose Healthy Now” campaign with the 7-Eleven chain joining the initiative, according to the agency’s newsletter, Ola Lokahi. Other convenience stores participating in the campaign include Aloha Island Mart and KTA Superstores.

Retailers participating in “Choose Healthy Now” highlight healthy snacks and beverages within their stores with signage and labels. “With the addition of 7-Eleven’s important commitment to health, ‘Choose Healthy Now’ is in grocery and convenience stores, hospital cafeterias and snack shops at more than 145 locations across our state,” said Lola Irvin, chronic disease prevention and health promotion division administrator. “Partnering with retail locations allows us to reach Hawaii residents where they make their everyday food choices.”

Items labeled “Choose Healthy Now” have to meet strict nutrition guidelines, such as under 200 calories; and low in saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Items included in the program are lightly salted nuts, plain yogurt, fresh salads, fresh fruit and unsweetened tea.

Hawaii’s First Lady, Mrs. Dawn Ige, launched the campaign at 7-Eleven’s Moanalua location in September by unveiling her namesake “Mrs. Ige’s Cilantro Chicken Sandwich.” Ige has been a proponent of the campaign since its inception in 2014.