CARLISLE, Pa. – With the countdown on for the first day of school, now is the time to refresh your family’s health, home, and pantry. The team of dietitians and pharmacists from The GIANT Company, known locally as GIANT and MARTIN’S, has simple ways to update immunizations, restock health essentials, and stock affordable snacks and meal solutions.
“Back-to-school can be a stressful time for many families, but a little preparation now can deliver big value later, by saving time and helping your family get ready for a healthy and successful school year,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “Our pharmacists and dietitians are both great resources in providing ideas and inspiration to help navigate whatever health and wellness curveballs the back-to-school season may throw to you and your family.”
Prioritize Immunizations and Update School Health Plans
Now is the ideal time to make sure children are up to date on required immunizations and physicals. GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can help families navigate immunization requirements, answer questions, and provide convenient access to recommended vaccines. Scheduling school-required vaccines before the school-year rush can help families avoid last-minute stress and ensure students are ready for the first day.
It’s also a good time to review and update Medication Action Plans and Allergy Action Plans. If your child requires medication at school, confirm that the school has current prescriptions and documentation for inhalers, insulin, epinephrine devices, and other necessary medications. Coordinate prescription refills now with physicians and your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacy to avoid interruptions once school and extracurricular activities begin.
Restock Your Home Health Essentials
Be prepared for when illness or injury may strike at home by checking medicine cabinets and first aid kits for expired medications and supplies. Restock essentials such as pain relievers, fever reducers, antihistamines, antibiotic ointments, and bandages. A well-stocked first aid kit can help families handle everything from scraped knees to seasonal illnesses and bee stings.
Refresh the Pantry with Affordable Options
The GIANT and MARTIN’S dietitians recommend creating a back-to-school snack station with budget-friendly staples that are easy for kids to grab after school. Affordable pantry favorites include granola bars, applesauce pouches, trail mixes, whole grain crackers, nut butters, and fruit cups. These simple, balanced snacks can help keep kids energized while avoiding costly last-minute food purchases.
Families can also stretch their grocery budget by planning ahead, taking advantage of weekly promotions, and choosing versatile kitchen staples that can be used for lunches, snacks, and quick meals throughout the week.
Customers can also help to support Partnership for a Healthier America’s Good Food Coalition.* From Aug. 21 – Sept. 3 for every $10 spent on participating items, GIANT will donate $5 to a Partnership for a Healthier America’s work to advance access to nutritious food for families in need.
Looking for more easy and affordable inspiration? Join the GIANT and MARTIN’S dietitians for a free, virtual Back-to-School Breakfast class on Aug. 27 at 12 p.m. Register today via this link.
Visit giantfoodstores.com or martinsfoods.com and click the Pharmacy or Wellbeing tabs at the top of the page for more ideas.
*Donations benefit Partnership for a Healthier America. Must use GIANT card. From 8/21-9/3/26, for every $10 spent on participating items, GIANT will donate $5 to a Partnership for a Healthier America. Maximum donation of $100,000.
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