Greenville, S.C. and Jacksonville, Fla. – December 19, 2011 – BI‐LO, LLC (“BI‐LO”) and Winn‐Dixie Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: WINN) (“Winn‐Dixie”) today announced that the companies will merge to create an organization of approximately 690 grocery stores and 63,000 employees in eight states throughout the southeastern United States.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, BI‐LO will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Winn‐ Dixie stock in the merger. Winn‐Dixie shareholders will receive $9.50 in cash per share of Winn‐Dixie common stock, representing a premium of approximately 75% over the closing price of Winn‐Dixie common stock on December 16, 2011.

A Special Committee of the Winn‐Dixie Board of Directors, comprised of eight independent directors, and advised by independent financial and legal advisors, negotiated the transaction and recommended it to the full Board. The full Board unanimously approved the agreement and recommends Winn‐Dixie shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.

“We are very excited about the merger of BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie,” said Randall Onstead, Chairman of BI‐ LO. “With no overlap in our markets, the combined company will have a perfect geographic fit that will create a stronger platform from which to provide our customers great products at a great value, while continuing to offer exceptional service. BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie are both strong regional brands with similar heritages, compelling customer connections, and outstanding employees. Both have been an important part of the communities and families they serve, and we look forward to building upon these two iconic brands and serving loyal customers for years to come.”

“This transaction with BI‐LO provides Winn‐Dixie shareholders with a significant cash premium for their shares. We believe this transaction is in the best interests of our shareholders,” said Peter Lynch, Chairman, CEO and President of Winn‐Dixie. “By combining BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie, we anticipate building a company that is stronger than our individual businesses and creating opportunities for continued advancement through the cross‐pollination of our people and the sharing of ideas across our organizations, all to the benefit of our guests, suppliers, team members and the neighborhoods that Winn‐Dixie serves.”

The transaction is currently expected to close in the next 60 to 120 days, subject to the approval of Winn‐Dixie shareholders and other customary closing conditions, including expiration of the applicablewaiting period under the Hart‐Scott‐Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The transaction is not subject to any financing condition. Following the completion of the merger, Winn‐Dixie will become a privately‐held, wholly owned subsidiary of BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie’s common stock will cease trading on the NASDAQ.

Until the merger is complete, both BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie will continue to operate as separate companies.

Following completion of the merger, it is anticipated that the companies will continue to operate under the BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie banners that their customers have come to trust.

BI‐LO and Winn‐Dixie do not currently expect any store closures as a result of the combination. The combined company’s executive management team structure and headquarters location will be decided as the companies move closer to finalizing the transaction; however, it is expected that the combined company will maintain a presence in both Greenville and Jacksonville.

William Blair, Citi, The Food Partners, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. and Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group are acting as financial advisors and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Hunton & Williams LLP are acting as legal advisors to BI‐LO. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee of the Winn‐Dixie Board of Directors. King & Spalding LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. are acting as legal advisors to Winn‐Dixie.

About BI‐LO

Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Greenville, S.C., BI‐LO operates 207 supermarkets, including approximately 116 in‐store pharmacies, in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The Company employs approximately 17,000 people.About Winn‐DixieFounded in 1925 and headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, Winn‐Dixie operates approximately 480 retail grocery locations, including approximately 380 in‐store pharmacies, in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. The Company employs approximately 46,000 people.

Forward‐Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release contain forward‐looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, among others, statements regarding the anticipated merger with BI‐LO, are forward‐looking statements. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Winn‐Dixie and members of its management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “should” or similar expressions. Forward‐looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward‐looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond Winn‐Dixie’s ability to control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, anyconditions imposed in connection with the merger, approval of the Merger Agreement by Winn‐Dixie’s shareholders, the satisfaction of various other conditions to the closing of the Merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and other factors discussed in Winn‐Dixie’s Annual Report on Form 10‐K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2011, and other Winn‐Dixie filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any forward‐looking statements contained herein.

Additional Information and Where to Find it

In connection with the proposed merger and required shareholder approval, Winn‐Dixie Stores, Inc. will file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WINN‐DIXIE AND THE MERGER. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Winn‐Dixie Stores, Inc. with the SEC may be obtained free of charge by contacting Winn‐Dixie at Winn‐Dixie Stores, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 5050 Edgewood Court, Jacksonville, Florida, 32254‐3699. Our filings with the SEC are also available on our website at www.WinnDixie.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Winn‐Dixie and its officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Winn‐Dixie’s shareholders with respect to the merger. Information about Winn‐Dixie’s officers and directors and their ownership of Winn‐Dixie’s common shares is set forth in the proxy statement for Winn‐Dixie’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on September 27, 2011. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of Winn‐Dixie and its officers and directors in the merger by reading the preliminary and definitive proxy statements regarding the merger, which will be filed with the SEC.

Contacts: Media

BI‐LO
Andy Brimmer / Jed Repko / Nick Lamplough 
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 
212‐355‐4449

Winn‐Dixie
Eric Barnes
Director of Corporate Communication
904‐370‐7715
EricBarnes@Winn‐Dixie.com

Investors

Winn‐Dixie
Celia Nass
Senior Director, Investor Relations
904‐783‐5123
CeliaNass@Winn‐Dixie.com 

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Nov. 14, 2011) –Basketball fans have even more to celebrate than their team victories because BI-LO is rewarding them with the opportunity to earn free tickets to several games just for doing their regular grocery shopping.

This will be the fourth year BI-LO has partnered with The University of South Carolina and the second year with Clemson University to offer its “No Dough” promotion. Now through March 1, 2012, customers who purchase any six participating Southern Home® or Top Care® items in one transaction with their MY BI-LO- BONUSCARD® will receive two free NCAA men’s basketball tickets, while supplies last, to any of the listed 2011-2012 Gamecocks or Tigers home games.

Southern Home is BI-LO’s award-winning brand that features more than 3,000 national brand equivalent fresh and packaged goods at a fraction of the price. BI-LO’s health, beauty and baby brand, Top Care, gives shoppers a satisfactionguarantee with high quality products for the lowest possible price. The Top Care line also offers value-priced, over-the-counter medications so customers can lead a healthy, active lifestyle without having to worry about money.

“BI-LO is extremely excited to provide shoppers the opportunity to attend Clemson or South Carolina basketball games for another year,” said Katie Batista, events and sports marketing manager with BI-LO. “These two schools are at the pinnacle of college athletics and giving fans the chance to witness such a great American pastime while helping them save in our stores is truly rewarding.”

Participating “No Dough” Items include:

• Southern Home® Party Cups Southern Home® H2O Flavored Drink Stix
• Southern Home® Hot Dogs Top Care® Ibuprofen
• Southern Home® Fridge or 12-Pack Sodas Top Care® Hand Sanitizer
• Southern Home® Frozen Pizza Snacks Top Care® Cough and Cold Medicine
• Southern Home® Spaghetti/Marinara Sauce Southern Home® Soup
• Southern Home® Ultra-Thin Frozen Pizza Southern Home® Dry Pasta
• Southern Home® BIG ROLL Paper Towels Southern Home® Sauerkraut
• Southern Home® Cajun Crab Dip

Customers who use their BONUSCARD to purchase any six of the participating products will receive a voucher, while supplies last, redeemable for two tickets at the Carolina Stadium box office in Columbia, S.C. or the Clemson Athletic ticket office in Clemson, S.C. “No Dough” ticket vouchers are eligible for any of the following home games:

University of South Carolina

• 11/20 – Tennessee State
• 11/22 – Mississippi Valley State
• 12/01 – Providence 
• 12/13 – Presbyterian 
• 12/17 – Ohio State 
• 12/21 – Southeastern Louisiana 
• 12/28 – Wofford 
• 12/31 – USC Upstate 
• 1/3 – South Carolina State
• 1/10 – Vanderbilt 
• 1/14 – Florida
• 1/25 – Alabama 
• 2/15 – Georgia 
• 2/18 – LSU
• 2/25 – Tennessee 
• 2/29 – Mississippi State

Clemson University

• 11/19 – College of Charleston 
• 11/22 – Coastal Carolina 
• 11/25 – Furman 
• 12/17 – Winthrop 
• 12/19 – Alabama State 
• 1/1 – East Tennessee State 3/1 – Virginia Tech
• 1/7 – Florida State
• 1/21 – Georgia Tech
• 1/28 – Wake Forest
• 2/7 - Maryland
• 2/14 - Virginia
• 2/25 – NC State

Please note the promotion excludes the Clemson University home games versus the University of South Carolina on Dec. 4 and Duke on Jan. 15. The South Carolina game against Kentucky on Feb. 4 is also excluded.

Batista continued, “This promotion symbolizes BI-LO’s pledge to offer savings without sacrifice, as now shoppers can save on essential grocery items while also being provided with the chance to receive tickets to some of the finest basketball games in the South.”

For more information on the promotion and size specifications for participating items, please visit www.bi-lo.com/promotions.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

From now until Tuesday, Dec. 6, customers can earn $0.15 off per gallon of gas for every $50 gift card they buy from their local BI-LO.  When shoppers use their MY BI-LO BONUSCARD® at the checkout they will receive triple the fuelperks!Rewards and save on gas this holiday season.
“BI-LO is thrilled to offer our customers even more fuelperks! Rewards just in time for holiday travels,” said Stephanie Ryals, BI-LO’s BONUSCARD marketing manager. “Now shoppers can buy great gifts and travel to visit family and friends without having to worry about gas prices.”
Since BI-LO launched its exclusive fuelperks! Rewards program in 2008, the company has helped save customers more than $63 million in fuel. There is no limit to the amount of fuelperks !Rewards a customer can earn, but the rewards do expire up to four months.
Customers can redeem their fuelperks! Rewardsby simply inserting the full-sized BI-LO BONUSCARD in the card reader at any participating gas station.The price per gallon on all grades of fuel automatically rolls down by the amount of fuelperks!Rewards earned, up to 20 gallons per purchase, per vehicle.
For the entire list of fuel redemption sites and for more information on BI-LO’s exclusive fuelperks! Rewards program.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

This is the fourth BI-LO location in Columbia to reveal the latest in a series of renovations being made throughout its four-state footprint. The enhanced look and feel of each of the stores is just one of the ways BI-LO is working to deliver supreme value and service to shoppers, while offering extensive variety at the lowest possible prices.

“BI-LO is extremely excited to offer customers in Columbia another store with a state-of-the-art shopping experience, especially as we continually strive to bring them the best possible shopping experience while providing savings without sacrifice,” said BI-LO President and CEO Mike Byars. “The grand re-opening was also an amazing opportunity to kick off BI-LO Charities’ ‘Season of Giving’ and give back to the community that has supported us in so many ways over the years.”

The enhanced departments and signature food items in the updated store showcases the improved freshness, variety and quality the company strives to provide customers, including:

• BI-LO’s Gold Star line of meat featuring a selection of locally raised and always fresh chicken and incredibly tender pork, and only the most popular, highest-quality brand of beef in America: Certified Angus Beef®
• A knowledgeable BI-LO butcher who can custom cut, grind or cube, and provide grilling and preparation tips, all for free
• A wide variety of seafood including Chef’s Catch and Lakehouse Catfish, available only at BI-LO
• A produce department with an open-market feel featuring BI-LO’s triple-inspected Walter’s Produce
• Lip Lickin’ Fried Chicken, fresh-sliced Sara Lee meats and cheeses, Signature Deli Pizza, Sweet Dreams Custom Cakes and Gourmet Cookies, along with fresh artisan breads, muffins, pastries
• and doughnuts
• A free Wi-Fi café to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack and surf the web
• A full service pharmacy to support healthy living and offer customers personal attention and savings on medication

In addition to these services and selections, BI-LO continues to provide its customers many ways to
save including:

• Satisfaction Guarantee – the company’s policy that doubles the money back for any customer that is unsatisfied with any item purchased at the store, whatever the reason
• BI-LO BONUSCARD® Deals – offering special discounts throughout the store
• fuelperks!®– an exclusive fuel rewards program that allows customers to lower the price of gas at participating fuel stations each time they spend at least $50 on groceries
• Price Lock – a savings program that locks in extra-low prices for an eight-week period
• Super BOGO’s – buy one get one free opportunities in every department
• $4 generic prescriptions – savings on over 400 prescription drugs with no enrollment fee
• Meal Deals – opportunities for customers to buy specially priced products and get complementary items for free
• Double Coupons – manufacturer coupons up to 60 cents are doubled every day
• Southern Home and $4 Top Care – store-brand products that meet or exceed the quality of national brands and provide exceptional savings; Top Care includes $4 on over the counter medications
• SENIOR BONUS® Day – a 5 percent discount to seniors every Wednesday
• bi-lo.com – an online account that helps shoppers maximize their savings with coupons, free samples, special recipes, prescription refills and other services personally tailored to them

Byars continued, “BI-LO has made a significant investment in the Columbia community this past year not only with the remodeling of four stores, but with the addition of over 100 team members across the these stores . This boost in jobs only emphasizes BI-LO’s commitment to Columbia and the surrounding communities.”

For more information about BI-LO and its newly remodeled store, visit www.bi-lo.com. For information about BI-LO Charities and the Columbia-area non-profits they support, visit www.bi-locharities.org.
 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 28, 2011) – Since BI-LO launched its exclusive fuelperks!® Rewards program in 2008, the company has helped save customers more than $63 million in fuel, with almost $17 million in savings belonging to shoppers in Charlotte alone. Shell recently launched 137 redemption stations in Charlotte to support BI-LO’s fuelperks! Program. This coincides with BI-LO’s plan to consolidate the majority of its fuelperks! redemption locations across all of its operations area to Shell stations. The transition is part of the national contract announced earlier this year between Shell and Excentus – the administrator of the fuelperks! Program.

Consumers already earn 5 cents off per gallon of fuel for every $50 they spend on qualified in-store purchases at BI-LO, making regular visits to the pump a little less painful. Now with numerous Shell stations redeeming fuelperks! Rewards, taking advantage of BI-LO’s fuel-savings program is even
more convenient.

“BI-LO has always been committed to helping people save money without sacrificing the things that matter most,” said Stephanie Ryals, BI-LO’s BONUSCARD® marketing manager. “Our fuelperks! Program allows customers to save on groceries and on fuel just by shopping at BI-LO, and teaming up with Shell stations throughout Charlotte allows us to best serve all our shoppers.”

There is no limit to the amount of fuelperks! Rewards a customer can earn, but the rewards do expire after three months. fuelperks! Rewards can be redeemed by inserting the full-sized BI-LO BONUSCARD in the card reader at any of the participating Shell stations in the Charlotte area. The price per gallon on all grades of fuel automatically rolls down by the amount of fuelperks! Rewards earned, up to 20 gallons per purchase, per vehicle.
For the entire list of fuel redemption sites located in Charlotte, and for more information about the fuelperks! Rewards program, visit www.bi-lo.com/fuelperks.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.
 

Miszak joins BI-LO as the senior vice president of human resources and organizational effectiveness. In this role, she will be responsible for leading all human resources and organizational effectiveness activities for the company. She reports to Mike Byars, BI-LO’s president and CEO.

Prior to joining BI-LO, Miszak served as the senior vice president of human resources and organizational effectiveness at Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, a regional grocery chain in California and Nevada. She has multi-industry experience, having served in human resources leadership roles for Worldwide Restaurant Concepts, Regent Pacific Management Corporation, R.L. Polk & Company, Kelly Services, JMB & Associates, Cal Fed, Inc/Citibank, US Airways and American Express. In these roles her responsibilities included compensation and benefits, multi-site field human resources, corporate human resources, talent acquisition, strategic planning and business process improvement, diversity training and development and corporate communications.

Miszak is a graduate of Central Michigan University and received her Masters of Art in Communications from Arizona State University. She also received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Steadman comes to BI-LO as the group vice president of center stores. In this role he will be responsible for the strategic initiatives of the center store as it relates to consumer products and indirect sourcing procurement. He reports to Bill Nasshan, BI-LO’s senior vice president of marketing and merchandising.

Prior to joining BI-LO, Steadman was the senior vice president of retail client services – loyalty analytics for Information Resources Inc. (IRI). He started his career in the grocery industry as a retail management trainee with Giant in Landover, Md. While there, he held various positions including senior category manager, director, non-perishable merchandising and pricing and general sales manager. His last position with Giant was as director of category management of grocery. He later joined Winn Dixie as the senior director of sales planning and strategic pricing.

Steadman, a graduate of the University of Maryland in College Park, Md., is a customer-focused, results-driven retail sales and merchandising executive with extensive expertise in category management, pricing, loyalty marketing analytics, advertising and promotions. He has a strong track record of delivering sales and margin growth in a large chain store environment.

“With a combined total of more than 30 years in the business, these two individuals bring a depth of knowledge and experience that will help BI-LO continue to move forward,” Byars said. “We anticipate seeing the results of these two leaders as they help us serve our customers and inspire our teammates. Their understanding of BI-LO and its business will be essential assets in continuing to build a stronger company that helps its customers save without having to sacrifice on the things that matter most to them.”

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.
 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

Over the last several months, BI-LO has carefully worked on revamping its store designs and layout, as well as developing new offerings focused on quality and savings to offer its customers continued savings without sacrifice.  The improved look and feel of the stores is just one of the ways BI-LO is working to provide unrivaled value and service to the public.  From the moment shoppers arrive at the stores, they first notice updated aspects such as a warmer and richer color palette and the installation of modern décor that envelopes all the stores.  Upgrades have been made to all departments.

“BI-LO is extremely excited to offer our customers in Mauldin, Greer and West Columbia a state-of-the-art shopping experience,” said BI-LO President and CEO Mike Byars. “We continually look to satisfy our customers’ needs, while also keeping our commitment to savings without sacrifice.”

The enhanced departments and signature food items in these updated stores showcase the improved freshness, variety and quality the company strives to provide customers, including:

• BI-LO’s Gold Star line of meat featuring a selection of locally raised and always fresh chicken and incredibly tender pork, and only the most popular, highest-quality brand of beef in America:    Certified Angus Beef®
• A knowledgeable BI-LO butcher who can custom cut, grind or cube, and provide grilling and preparation tips, all for free
• A wide variety of seafood including Chef’s Catch and Lakehouse Catfish, available only at BI-LO
• A produce department with an open-market feel featuring BI-LO’s triple-inspected Walter’s Produce
• Lip Lickin’ Fried Chicken, fresh-sliced Sara Lee meats and cheeses, Signature Deli Pizza, Sweet Dreams Custom Cakes and Gourmet Cookies, along with fresh artisan breads, muffins, pastries
• and doughnuts
• A free Wi-Fi café to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack and surf the web
• A full service pharmacy at the store located on207 W. Butler Rd. in Mauldin, S.C., to support healthy living and offer customers personal attention and savings on medication

In addition to these services and selections, BI-LO continues to provide its customers many ways to save including:

• Satisfaction Guarantee – the company’s policy that doubles the money back for any customer that is unsatisfied with any item purchased at the store, whatever the reason
• BI-LO BONUSCARD® Deals – offering special discounts throughout the store
• fuelperks!® – an exclusive fuel rewards program that allows customers to lower the price of gas at participating fuel stations each time they spend at least $50 on groceries
• Price Lock – a savings program that locks in extra-low prices for an eight-week period
• Super BOGO’s – buy one get one free opportunities in every department
• $4 generic prescriptions – savings on over 400 prescription drugs with no enrollment fee
• Meal Deals – opportunities for customers to buy specially priced products and get complementary items for free
• Double Coupons – manufacturer coupons up to 60 cents are doubled every day
• Southern Home and $4 Top Care – store-brand products that meet or exceed the quality of national brands and provide exceptional savings; Top Care includes $4 on over the counter medications
• SENIOR BONUS® Day – a 5 percent discount to seniors every Wednesday
• bi-lo.com – an online account that helps shoppers maximize their savings with coupons, free samples, special recipes, prescription refills and other services personally tailored to them

Byars continued, “We’re thrilled to offer shoppers in Mauldin, Greer, West Columbia, and the surrounding communities an enhanced shopping experience in our newly updated stores.”

For more information about BI-LO and its newly remodeled stores, visit www.bi-lo.com.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 16,995 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

Customers will have the opportunity to win one of several prizes during the anniversary celebration. Ten winners will receive $250 worth of groceries, with nine of those winners at the event and one winner chosen through BI-LO’s Facebook page. Another 10 winners will receive a free tank of gas at the event, valued at up to $70.

BI-LO will also be giving away 25 reusable shopping bags filled with BI-LO store-brand products, and 100 individuals will walk away with a retro T-shirt celebrating of the company’s 50-year heritage. Customers at the store event can also take advantage of rollback pricing from noon to 2 p.m. the day of the tour stop on Coca Cola® glass-bottle six packs, which were priced at 99 cents in 1961, the year BI-LO was founded.

“BI-LO wanted to do something very special for our customers for whom we have had the privilege of providing savings without sacrificing on quality, service or price these past 50 years,” said BI-LO President and CEO Michael Byars. “We wanted our Blast From The Past tour to be something that everyone in our market could participate in, and we hope that our customers take advantage of the festivities and great prizes we have planned for each tour stop along the way.”
The BI-LO Blast From The Past tour will be making stops across the four-state footprint over the next eight weeks, including:

• Monday, Aug. 29 – Friday, Sept. 2: Greenville, S.C.; Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Clemson, S.C.; Anderson, S.C. and Greenwood, S.C.
• Monday, Sept. 5 – Friday, Sept. 9: Spartanburg, S.C.; Lincolnton, N.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C. and Hartsville, S.C.
• Monday, Sept. 12 – Friday, Sept. 16: Sumter, S.C.; Surfside Beach, S.C.; Summerville, S.C. and Walterboro, S.C.
• Monday, Sept. 19 – Friday, Sept. 23: Orangeburg, S.C.; Augusta, Ga.; Chattanooga, Tenn. and Red Bank, Tenn.
• Monday, Sept. 26 – Friday, Sept. 30: Blairsville, Ga.; Easley, S.C.; Berea, S.C.; Greer, S.C. and Spartanburg, S.C.
• Monday, Oct. 3 – Friday, Oct. 7: Gastonia, N.C.; Matthews, N.C.; Lake Wylie, S.C.; Chapin, S.C. and West Columbia, S.C.
• Monday, Oct. 10 – Friday, Oct. 14: Orangeburg, S.C.; Summerville, S.C.; Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Hampton, S.C. and the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, S.C.
• Monday, Oct. 17 – Friday, Oct. 20: Martinez, Ga.; Chattanooga, Tenn. and Simpsonville, S.C.

BI-LO’s story began in 1961, when former Winn-Dixie executive Frank Outlaw purchased a small chain of food stores with a singular vision: to create a supermarket where shoppers could buy national brands for less.

The company has always operated according to the same innovative spirit with which it began. In 1997, BI-LO introduced the BONUSCARD®, which has saved shoppers more than $6 billion on groceries. Ten years later, the first Super BI-LO opened, giving shoppers more variety, more freshness and more savings in a convenient superstore. BI-LO also introduced the fuelperks!® Rewards program, which to date has saved shoppers more than $63 million on gas.

BI-LO’s founder also believed strongly in giving back to the communities who have supported the company so loyally, and that generosity has always been a part of BI-LO’s culture. Events such as the BI-LO Charity Classic now play a prominent role in the community landscape.

Visit www.bi-lo.com/50th for more details about BI-LO’s Blast From The Past tour, including upcoming tour stops, BI-LO’s company history and how area residents can win one of the available prizes at each tour stop. 

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
(864) 672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

Having previously partnered with Clemson’s baseball and basketball teams, BI-LO is excited to bring its “No Dough” promotion to football fans for the first time. Through Aug. 30, customers who purchase any six participating Southern Home®, Full Circle® or Signature Deli items in one transaction with their My BI-LO BONUS CARD® will receive a voucher for two free Clemson home game football tickets to either the game on Sept. 3 vs. Troy or Sept. 10 vs. Wofford, while supplies last.

Southern Home is BI-LO’s award-winning brand that features more than 3,000 national brand equivalent fresh and packaged goods at a fraction of the price. The Signature Deli brand offers a full selection of quality deli items to bring the best possible value around. BI-LO’s all-natural and organic brand, Full Circle, uses the finest ingredients to offer minimally processed foods at BI-LO’s trademark everyday value prices. Participating “No Dough” items include:

• Southern Home Break N Bake Cookies Southern Home Nuts and Trail Mix
• Southern Home Pepperoni Southern Home Taco Sauce and Salsa
• Southern Home Fridge or 12-Pack Sodas Southern Home Beef Jerky
• Southern Home Taco Shells or Dinner Kits Full Circle Soy Crisps
• Full Circle Cookies Full Circle Tortilla Chips
• Signature Deli Sides Signature Deli Teas
• Southern Home Brats, Italian Sausage, Beef & Meat Franks

“BI-LO is extremely excited to extend the ‘No Dough’ promotion to Clemson Tigers football fans. The football program at Clemson represents many of the principles BI-LO stands for, most notably a drive for excellence,” said Kip Faulhaber, vice president of advertising, marketing and sales at BI-LO. “This promotion allows our customers to save money on BI-LO’s superior store brand items while offering the opportunity to enjoy one of the South’s favorite pastimes.”

Customers who use their BI-LO BONUSCARD to purchase any six of the participating items will receive a voucher, redeemable for two tickets, while supplies last, at the Clemson Athletics ticket office in Clemson, S.C., prior to game day, or on the day of each game at Gate 5 of Memorial Stadium.

For more information please visit any local BI-LO or www.bi-lo.com/promotions.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $53 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. (Aug. 3, 2011) — While gas prices continue to rise as quickly as the temperature, BI-LO stands ready to bring relief to Chattanooga-area residents with the much anticipated launch of its exclusive fuel loyalty program. Now local customers can save money on gas by doing something they normally do – buy groceries – through BI-LO’s exclusive fuelperks!® Program.

Since the start of the program in 2008, fuelperks! Rewards have already saved customers over $63 million on gas in the Upstate of South Carolina, Charlotte, Columbia, Augusta, Charleston and Florence-Myrtle Beach. The company has worked tirelessly to find fuel partners that could provide convenient redemption sites that will best serve all BI-LO customers.

The fuelperks! Program represents a completely new way of saving money on gas; it’s simple to use and is now available in all BI-LO stores throughout the Chattanooga area. For every $50 in qualified purchases a shopper spends at BI-LO, they receive a 5 cent per gallon reward applied to their new My BI-LO BONUSCARD® that is used at the pump to roll down the price of gas. The $50 threshold can be achieved through multiple visits to any BI-LO and everything is tracked automatically – and in “real time” – through the new BONUSCARD.

Customers will need the new BI-LO BONUSCARD to redeem fuelperks! Rewards. Converting to the new card is free and easy, requiring a quick stop at a BI-LO store to have a customer’s old card scanned; all existing data will be retained with the new card.

“BI-LO constantly searches for valuable ways to save our customers money throughout the store, and we are proud to now be able to pass on those great savings to them at the gas pump as well,” said BI-LO President and CEO Michael Byars. “Through fuelperks!, BI-LO makes regular visits to the pump a little less painful by offering customers incredible gas savings every time they shop with their
BI-LO BONUSCARD.”

There is no limit to the amount of fuelperks! Rewards a customer can earn, but the rewards do expire after three months. For example, if a shopper and his or her family spend $200 over the course of several weeks or in a single visit, they accumulate a 20 cent per gallon reward. Customers are able to redeem their fuelperks! Rewards by inserting their full-sized BI-LO BONUSCARD in the card reader at any of the participating Shell, Exxon, Texaco, Mr. Zip, Phillips 66, Conoco, Chevron, BP or Spur Market gas stations in the Chattanooga area. The price per gallon on all grades of gas will automatically roll down by the amount of fuelperks! Rewards earned and the customer can pump up to 20 gallons of
gasoline per visit.

BI-LO is working with Dallas-based Excentus Corp., the provider of fuelperks!, to launch the program in Chattanooga. According to Excentus officials, BI-LO will be the only grocery store chain in the area to offer fuelperks!. Through Excentus, BI-LO is working with nine fuel partners to provide fuel redemption sites within close proximity to BI-LO stores. BI-LO officials said that the ability to provide participating gas stations close to BI-LO stores and the reputation for good customer service were deciding factors in the fuel station partners.

Byars continued, “One of the great features of fuelperks! is the program’s ease of use. Customers simply buy groceries using their new BI-LO BONUSCARD, swipe the card at the gas pump of a participating station and enjoy watching the price of gas roll down right before their eyes.”

All BI-LO shoppers will continue to enjoy everyday savings with their BI-LO BONUSCARD and will be able to take advantage of other popular BI-LO customer appreciation programs like Satisfaction Guarantee, Price Lock and Super BOGO’s – all with the added bonus of gas savings.

For more information about fuelperks!, including participating gas stations in the Chattanooga area, please visit www.bi-lo.com/fuelperks. 

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

ABOUT EXCENTUS
Excentus Corporation is the provider of the fuelperks! Rewards program – a retail marketing coalition in the United States utilizing fuel as the ultimate consumer reward.  Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Excentus Corp. was founded in 1996.  It is a privately held company with over 150 customers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, email marketing@excentus.com, or visit www.excentus.com
 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
(864) 672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com 

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Aug. 1, 2011) – Over the past month, BI-LO has revealed four newly updated stores in Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Columbia and Cayce, S.C., in order to make grocery shopping even more enjoyable and simple for customers across the state. The improved look and feel of these stores is just one of the ways BI-LO is working to provide unrivaled value and service to shoppers, all the while offering incredible variety at the lowest possible prices.

BI-LO has unveiled its newest stores as the latest moves in the company’s five-year plan to be more competitive in the marketplace. The company has worked carefully on updating its store designs and layout and has developed new offerings focused on quality and savings to offer its customers continued savings without sacrifice.

As soon as shoppers arrive at the store, they instantly notice upgraded aspects such as a warmer, richer color palette. Other additions have been made to all departments as well as the installation of improved décor that envelops the store almost immediately.

“BI-LO is the store that offers customers the best value on the finest products available, all in a positive shopping environment,” said BI-LO President and CEO Michael Byars. “Our four newly re-designed locations in Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Columbia and Cayce, S.C., symbolize what BI-LO is all about: savings without sacrifice on quality and freshness.”

The enhanced departments and signature food items in these updated stores showcase the improved freshness, variety and quality the company strives to provide customers, including:

• Their Gold Star line of meat featuring a selection of locally raised and always fresh chicken and incredibly tender pork, and only the most popular, highest-quality brand of beef in America:    Certified Angus Beef®
• A knowledgeable BI-LO butcher who can custom cut, grind or cube, and provide grilling and preparation tips, all for free
• A wide variety of seafood including Chef’s Catch and Lakehouse Catfish, available only at BI-LO
• A produce department with an open-market feel featuring BI-LO’s triple-inspected Walter’s Produce
• Lip Lickin’ Fried Chicken, fresh-sliced Sara Lee meats and cheeses, Signature Deli Pizza, Sweet Dreams Custom Cakes and Gourmet Cookies, along with fresh artisan breads, muffins, pastries
• and doughnuts
• A free Wi-Fi café to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack and surf the web
• A full service pharmacy at all four stores located on 110 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, 142 E. St. James Ave. in Goose Creek, 2349 Augusta Rd. in Columbia and 2453 Charleston Highway in Cayce, S.C., to support healthy living and offer customers personal attention and savings on medication

In addition to these services and selections, BI-LO continues to provide its customers many ways to save including:

• Satisfaction Guarantee – the company’s policy that doubles the money back for any customer that is unsatisfied with any item purchased at the store, whatever the reason
• BI-LO BONUSCARD® Deals – offering special discounts throughout the store
• fuelperks!® – an exclusive fuel rewards program that allows customers to lower the price of gas at participating fuel stations each time they spend at least $50 on groceries
• Price Lock – a savings program that locks in extra-low prices for an eight-week period
• Super BOGO’s – buy one get one free opportunities in every department
• $4 generic prescriptions – savings on over 400 prescription drugs with no enrollment fee
• Meal Deals – opportunities for customers to buy specially priced products and get complementary items for free
• Double Coupons – manufacturer coupons up to 60 cents are doubled every day
• Southern Home and $4 Top Care – store-brand products that meet or exceed the quality of national brands and provide exceptional savings; Top Care includes $4 on over the counter medications
• SENIOR BONUS® Day – a 5 percent discount to seniors every Wednesday
• bi-lo.com – an online account that helps shoppers maximize their savings with coupons, free samples, special recipes, prescription refills and other services personally tailored to them

Byars continued, “We’re excited to offer shoppers in Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Columbia and Cayce, and the surrounding communities, an enhanced and unrivaled shopping experience in our newly updated stores.”

For more information about BI-LO and its newly remodeled stores, visit www.bi-lo.com.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $53 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

In order to take advantage of this convenient way to save, shoppers will have to log on to their bi-lo.com account and click on Ways to save, scroll down and click on the digital coupon button to browse the e-coupons. Next they just select the coupons of interest, which are automatically loaded on to their My BI-LO BONUSCARD. Coupons can be viewed – complete with descriptions of each item and valid dates – and printed for added convenience.

“With everyone watching their wallets these days, I’m excited to be able to offer BI-LO customers another accessible way to keep more of their money in their pockets,” said Kip Faulhaber, vice president of advertising, marketing and sales at BI-LO. “The new e-coupons program is easy to use and will save customers time with the discounted offers on everyday products.”

In addition to offering thousands of dollars in savings through e-coupons, customers can use bi-lo.com to learn about the fuelperks!® Rewards they’ve earned to-date, all the ways to save through their My BI-LO BONUSCARD, create personalized shopping lists and search for recipes, meal deals and other weekly promotions. 

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $58 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
864-672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

GREENVILLE, S.C. (July 5, 2011) – Over the past month, BI-LO has revealed three newly updated stores in Greenwood and Spartanburg, S.C., in order to make grocery shopping even simpler and more enjoyable. Customers receive incredible variety at the lowest price along with one-stop services at a great value at BI-LO, and the new locations are just a glimpse at what’s in store for the company’s four-state footprint.

Unveiling the latest in a series of renovations the company is making in its stores in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, these re-openings are the latest updates as part of BI-LO’s five-year plan to be more competitive in the marketplace. The company has carefully worked on revamping its store designs and layout and has developed new offerings focused on quality and savings to offer its customers continued savings without sacrifice.

The improved look and feel of these stores is just one of the ways BI-LO is working to provide unrivaled value and service to shoppers. From their arrival at the store, customers notice upgraded aspects such as a warmer, richer color palette and improved décor that envelops the store almost immediately.

“BI-LO is always striving to ensure positive shopping experiences for our customers whenever they visit our stores,” said BI-LO President and CEO Michael Byars. “Our re-designed locations in Greenwood and Spartanburg, S.C., symbolize what BI-LO is all about: savings without sacrifice on quality and freshness, while offering the best value on the finest products available.”

The enhanced departments and signature food items in these updated stores showcase the improved freshness, variety and quality the company strives to provide customers, including:

• Their Gold Star line of meat featuring a selection of locally raised and always fresh chicken and incredibly tender pork, and only the most popular, highest-quality brand of beef in America:    Certified Angus Beef®
• A knowledgeable BI-LO butcher who can custom cut, grind or cube, and provide grilling and preparation tips, all for free
• A wide variety of seafood including Chef’s Catch and Lakehouse Catfish, available only at BI-LO
• A produce department with an open-market feel featuring BI-LO’s triple-inspected Walter’s Produce
• Lip Lickin’ Fried Chicken, fresh-sliced Sara Lee meats and cheeses, Signature Deli Pizza, Sweet Dreams Custom Cakes and Gourmet Cookies, along with fresh artisan breads, muffins, pastries
• and doughnuts
• A free Wi-Fi café to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack and surf the web
• A full service pharmacy at the store located on Bypass 25 NE in Greenwood, S.C., and the store located on Southport Rd. in Spartanburg, S.C., to support healthy living and offer customers personal attention and savings on medication

In addition to these services and selections, BI-LO continues to provide its customers many ways to save including:

• Satisfaction Guarantee – the company’s policy that doubles the money back for any customer that is unsatisfied with any item purchased at the store, whatever the reason
• BI-LO BONUSCARD® Deals – offering special discounts throughout the store
• fuelperks!® – an exclusive fuel rewards program that allows customers to lower the price of gas at participating fuel stations each time they spend at least $50 on groceries
• Price Lock – a savings program that locks in extra-low prices for an eight-week period
• Super BOGO’s – buy one get one free opportunities in every department
• $4 generic prescriptions – savings on over 400 prescription drugs with no enrollment fee
• Meal Deals – opportunities for customers to buy specially priced products and get complementary items for free
• Double Coupons – manufacturer coupons up to 60 cents are doubled every day
• Southern Home and $4 Top Care – store-brand products that meet or exceed the quality of national brands and provide exceptional savings; Top Care includes $4 on over the counter medications
• SENIOR BONUS® Day – a 5 percent discount to seniors every Wednesday
• bi-lo.com – an online account that helps shoppers maximize their savings with coupons, free samples, special recipes, prescription refills and other services personally tailored to them

Byars continued, “We’re excited to offer shoppers in Greenwood and Spartanburg, and the surrounding communities, an enhanced shopping experience in our newly updated stores.”

For more information about BI-LO and its newly remodeled stores, visit www.bi-lo.com.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $53 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
(864) 672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

Through BI-LO’s exclusive fuelperks!® program, shoppers already earn 5 cents off the price of a gallon of gas for every $50 they spend in-store, making regular visits to the pump a little less painful.  To-date, fuelperks! Rewards have saved customers over $63 million in gas since the launch of the program in 2008, with over $11 million in savings belonging to shoppers in the Charlotte market.

“BI-LO has always been committed to helping people save money without sacrificing the things that matter most,” said Stephanie Ryals, BI-LO’s BONUSCARD® marketing manager. “Our fuelperks! program allows customers to save on money and on gas just by shopping at BI-LO.  We wanted to extend that idea by offering free gas in an effort to help people feeling the effects of the dramatic increase in the cost of fuel.”

Partnering with Clear Channel radio stations in Charlotte, BI-LO’s Free Fuel Frenzy will build anticipation in the hours leading up to the event by revealing clues associated with the participating gas station’s location beginning at 7 a.m. and every hour on the hour thereafter until 1 p.m.  on the day of the event.

To participate in the gas giveaway, customers need to have their My BI-LO BONUSCARD® on hand and be one of the first 150 people in line at the station and receive a voucher for up to 20 gallons of free gas. The vouchers will only be redeemable at that day's participating fuelperks! redemption site, and customers will have their tanks pumped with up to 20 gallons of free gas beginning at 1 p.m.

For customers after the first 150 who are unable to receive a voucher for free gas, BI-LO continues to offer its exclusive fuelperks! program.  For more information about the fuelperks! program, visit www.bi-lo.com/fuelperks.

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $53 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
(864) 672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com

GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 22, 2011) – With sports practices, errands and music lessons on top of a hard day’s work, it’s harder than ever for parents to practice good nutrition when preparing meals for their families. To help moms and dads across the Southeast adopt healthier food choices, BI-LO is introducing three additional nutritional tags that promote the USDA’s MyPlate initiative – a platform featuring a “new generation icon” that prompts consumers to build their plates with foods that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy.

MyPlate was established by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion – an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – and introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama to advance and promote dietary guidance for all Americans. Replacing the traditional food pyramid, MyPlate is an easy-to-understand symbol that teaches consumers to fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables and half with whole grains and protein.

Introduced three months ago, BI-LO’s in-store nutrition tags assist shoppers by calling attention to the healthy aspects of a wide range of foods: sensible carbs, heart-healthy, organic, a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, gluten-free, whole grain, a good source of fiber, low in saturated fat, a good source of calcium, or low in sodium. To further complement the MyPlate program, BI-LO has added three new labels that identify good-for-you meats and seafood: lean, extra lean and Omega 3.

“The nutrition tags help me navigate my way through the store as I shop for gluten-free products,” BI-LO customer Samantha Simpson of Tennessee said on the BI-LO Facebook page. “Because I have to shop for specific foods, I rely on the BI-LO nutrition tags to point me in the right direction. It makes my shopping so much easier!”

BI-LO’s support of MyPlate is consistent with the company’s thrive!TM program that helps teach shoppers how to make healthy, affordable choices both in the store aisle and at home – even when life gets busy. BI-LO thrive! makes health and wellness easy for everyone with online articles, recipes, dietary tips, videos and more. With BI-LO’s in-store nutrition tags designed to help customers find the types of foods that meet their individual needs and BI-LO’s exclusive thrive! newsletter available in print and online, the resources are endless for customers to adopt healthy eating practices.

“Summertime grilling is the perfect time to start incorporating the USDA’s MyPlate icon into daily nutrition,” said Monica Amburn, BI-LO’s registered dietitian. “For instance, you can choose a lower-fat meat for your next cookout by looking for meats that are marked with either a ‘lean’ or ‘extra lean’ tag, or simply look for the ‘Omega 3’ tag to find seafood rich in heart-healthy, brain-boosting Omega 3
fatty acids.”

“BI-LO consistently works to bring shoppers savings without sacrifice in all things that matter when shopping – including price, freshness, quality and healthy-food options,” said Kip Faulhaber, BI-LO’s vice president of sales and advertising. “The USDA’s MyPlate program helps remind consumers to think carefully about their food choices, and the three additional nutrition tags found throughout all BI-LO stores support our goals in offering customers practical ways to lead healthier lives.”

To view the latest edition of the BI-LO thrive! newsletter and learn more about nutrition tags, log on to http://www.bi-lo.com/thrive. To read more about USDA MyPlate visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov. 

About BI-LO
Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people. Founded in 1961, the company provides shoppers substantial savings without sacrificing quality or freshness through its BI-LO BONUSCARD® and other exclusive programs.  A committed corporate citizen, BI-LO has donated more than $53 million through its BI-LO Charities efforts to organizations across the company’s footprint since 1983.  For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com.

Media Contact:
Amanda Lenar
Erwin-Penland
(864) 672-2810
amanda.lenar@erwinpenland.com