Back-to-School Wellness Made Easier with Calgary Co-op

The back-to-school season brings new routines, busy mornings and packed schedules. Between school lunches, after-school activities and family commitments, staying on track can feel like a challenge.

Building healthy routines does not have to be complicated. Calgary Co-op helps families get back into rhythm with flexible meal solutions, fresh grocery essentials, Natural Choice wellness support and Pharmacy services available in your community.

From easy weeknight dinners and nutritious snacks to personalized wellness advice and pharmacy care, Calgary Co-op makes it easier to support your family’s everyday health and wellness.

How can I make back-to-school meals easier?

Back-to-school schedules can fill up quickly. Between school, work, activities and family commitments, having flexible meal options on hand can help make everyday cooking easier.

Calgary Co-op’s Meals Made Easy collection gives families options for every schedule, whether you want to prepare a meal yourself, heat something up quickly or grab something ready to enjoy.

Ready To Cook: Create a meal your way

For those who enjoy cooking but want a little help getting started, Ready To Cook options make meal preparation simple while leaving room for creativity in the kitchen.

Some options include: Pizza kits with dough, crust, sauce and toppings, Only Alberta marinated meats

Ready To Heat: Delicious meals in minutes

When time is limited, Ready To Heat options make it easy to enjoy flavourful meals with minimal preparation. Simply heat in the oven, microwave or air fryer and enjoy.

Some options include: Cal & Gary’s Frozen pizzas, fully cooked meats, dressed veggies, pot pies

Ready To Eat: Convenient meals for busy days

For those nights when schedules are full or you need a quick meal solution, Ready To Eat options provide convenient choices without the extra prep.

Some options include: Fresh sandwiches, Prepared salads, Deli mains and sides, quick picks from our Wings ‘n Things bar, and Soup Bar selections.

Plus, you can also order our famous deli, veggie, snack, dessert trays for your weekly meal prep! Shop Food Trays >

Whether you are preparing dinner together, looking for a quick weeknight meal or picking up something ready to enjoy, Meals Made Easy helps make mealtime fit your family’s routine.

What foods can help support a healthy back-to-school routine?

A balanced routine starts with simple everyday choices. When grocery shopping for back-to-school season, focus on foods that help create nourishing meals and snacks throughout the week.

Some easy additions to your grocery list include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables that provide essential vitamins and nutrients
• Protein-rich breakfasts and snacks to help fuel busy mornings
• Yogurt and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi to support your gut balance
• Nutritious snacks that are easy to pack for school, work and activities
• Hydrating options to help everyone stay refreshed throughout the day

Small, consistent habits can help support your family’s overall wellness throughout the school year. Calgary Co-op makes it easier to find fresh ingredients, everyday essentials and convenient options that fit your lifestyle.

Where can I find wellness support in Calgary?

Choosing the right vitamins, supplements and wellness products can sometimes feel overwhelming. Calgary Co-op’s Natural Choice Advisors are here to help you navigate your options and find products that fit your family’s needs.

Natural Choice Advisors can help you explore:

• Vitamins and minerals
• Probiotics and digestive health support
• Immune support products
• Nutritional supplements
• Stress and sleep support
• Allergy-friendly options
• Wellness products for different life stages

With more than 5,000 Natural Choice health and wellness products available, Calgary Co-op offers a wide selection of products alongside expert guidance to help make building a wellness routine simpler.

What pharmacy services does Calgary Co-op offer?

Your local Calgary Co-op Pharmacy team can support your family throughout the school year and beyond. Prescribing Pharmacists at each of our locations are available to answer questions, provide health guidance and help manage everyday health needs.

Calgary Co-op Pharmacy services include:

• Prescription renewals and medication support
• GLP-1 and weight management options and education
• Medication reviews and consultations
• Vaccinations and injections
• Guidance on over-the-counter products
• Support managing ongoing prescriptions
• Prescription delivery and refill reminders through the Calgary Co-op app
• In-person and virtual appointments

Having trusted pharmacy support available can make managing your family’s health needs more convenient, especially during busy seasons.

What is a prescribing pharmacist and how can they help?

A prescribing pharmacist can assess certain health concerns and, when appropriate, provide treatment recommendations or prescribe medications.

Calgary Co-op prescribing pharmacists can help with a variety of minor ailments and health needs, including:

• Seasonal allergies
• Cold sores
• Minor skin conditions
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Previously diagnosed conditions requiring prescription renewals
• Certain health concerns that may not require a visit to a doctor’s office

For many common health concerns, speaking with a pharmacist can be a convenient first step.

Back-to-School Wellness Checklist

Getting back into a routine is easier when you have the essentials ready. Before the school year gets busy, check off these simple wellness to-dos:

☐ Plan flexible meal solutions
Choose Meals Made Easy options that fit your schedule, from Ready To Cook pizza kits to Ready To Heat meals and Ready To Eat favourites.

☐ Refresh your family’s wellness essentials
Explore Calgary Co-op Natural Choice for vitamins, supplements, probiotics and wellness products.

☐ Connect with a Natural Choice Advisor
Get personalized guidance on products that fit your family’s needs and wellness goals.

☐ Stock up on balanced grocery essentials
Add fresh produce, protein-rich foods, nutritious snacks and easy lunchbox options to your shopping list.

☐ Review your pharmacy needs
Make sure prescriptions are up to date and connect with your Calgary Co-op Pharmacy team for support.

☐ Know your healthcare options
For certain minor ailments and health concerns, a prescribing pharmacist may be able to provide assessment and treatment recommendations.

Explore convenient food options, wellness support and pharmacy services at your local Calgary Co-op today.