Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover congratulates Andrea Astrachan. Ms Atrachan has just been named one of the ‘Top Women in Grocery’ by Progressive Grocer, a leading US supermarket and food retail trade magazine. Progressive Grocer recognized Andrea, Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover’s Vice President of Consumer Affairs, based on her leadership, influence and community involvement.
Having worked for Giant as a cashier when she was at school, Ms. Astrachan has a law degree from Harvard. She joined the company full time in 1999, and was promoted to Director of Consumer Affairs in 2004, succeeding Odonna Mathews as Consumer Advisor. Her role as Vice President of Consumer Affairs is her biggest challenge yet. Only two other people have filled the role: Odonna Mathews (described as ‘a legend in her own right’) for three decades and the renowned consumer advocate, Esther Peterson.
“As a mom, I know children find products with their favorite characters very enticing, so we used the same concept”
Ms. Astrachan is responsible for customer communication, consumer services and health and wellness. As the company’s Consumer Advisor, she listens to customers, advocates on their behalf and represents their views during the company decision-making process. She also provides weekly consumer messages through radio, websites and a circular column.
“I appreciate the recognition from the industry and feel privileged to carry on the principles that guided my predecessors in the field of Consumer Affairs,” she said “I enjoy the responsibility of continuing the tradition of representing our customers, developing innovative consumer programs, and providing service to our customers and the community.”
Getting kids to eat their greens
Ms. Astrachan has always been an advocate of healthy living, and places a strong emphasis on helping children establish healthy eating habits early in life. Under her leadership, Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover introduced a new store tour program to teach children from local elementary schools and youth organizations how to eat healthily and exercise more.
In discussions, parents and teachers asked Ms. Astrachan to help make fruit and vegetables more appealing to kids. In response, she introduced a program aimed at pre-school age children. In partnership with the Produce for Better Health Foundation and Nickelodeon, the program used fun activity sheets featuring Nickelodeon characters and kid-friendly recipes to promote a different fruit or vegetable each month.
“As a mom, I know children find products with their favorite characters very enticing, so we used the same concept to divert kids’ interest to healthy produce,” she commented.
Dedication to healthy eating brings rewards
Ms. Astrachan’s innovative consumer health initiatives recently led to Stop & Shop being honored with the National Excellence Award from the Produce for Better Health Foundation. They have also attracted the attention of New York senator and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who supports improved access to healthy foods in schools. In a local Stop & Shop produce department, Ms. Astrachan and the senator highlighted the importance of the availability for healthy snacks for children in all socioeconomic groups.
“In our increasingly competitive industry, it is critical to anticipate, identify and respond to customer needs quickly and effectively,” said Jose Alvarez, CEO and President of Stop & Shop. “Ms. Astrachan continues to assist our organization and customers by listening to these needs and responding with initiatives and programs that affect customers in a positive and meaningful way. Her recognition as a one of the Top Women in Grocery demonstrates the value of her role within our company and her positive influence upon our customers and community.”