In an innovative new partnership, United Way of Bucks County is teaming up with Clinton Global Initiative’s Too Small to Fail, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, and local Grocery Outlet stores in Jamison and Warminster to transform everyday spaces into early learning environments for families with young children.
This community-based effort introduces the nationally recognized “Talk, Read, Sing” campaign in Grocery Outlet stores, turning routine shopping trips into meaningful opportunities for brain and language development.
By installing vibrant signage, conversation prompts, and training the Grocery Outlet staff as Trusted Messengers, the initiative aims to empower parents and caregivers to engage their children through talking, reading, and singing. These simple but powerful activities have been proven to boost early learning and development from birth.
“We know that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five, and that everyday interactions build brains during that time. When kids are young, learning is everywhere, especially in everyday places like the grocery store. This effort ensures families have the tools and encouragement they need to make the most of crucial early years,” says Kristi Moreno, Impact Director for Education, United Way of Bucks County.
The initiative is grounded in research that shows back-and-forth interactions between caregivers and young children build the foundational brain architecture necessary for lifelong learning. Grocery Outlet stores will now serve not just as places to purchase food, but as transformed spaces to nourish young minds.
Participating stores feature Andy the Apple, posters, and aisle signs, encouraging caregivers to talk about colors, shapes, letters, and numbers while they shop. While supplies last, free take-home materials and tips will be available to families at the registers.
Moreno also invites families to check out more free conversation prompts online at https://www.uwbucks.org/conversation-cards. “Whether it’s at bedtime, bath time, mealtime, or at the doctor’s office, we have free online conversation cards for caregivers to share with kids. It’s free, easy, fun—and is literally proven to help kiddos get smarter,” she says.
This initiative is part of a growing movement across the country to bring early literacy and language development into public spaces where families naturally spend time.
For more information about United Way of Bucks County, the Talk, Read, Sing initiative and Early Education in Bucks County, contact Kristi Moreno 215-949-1660 ext. 108.
