The Community Grocery Store Project is part of the department's Start Living Healthy, a campaign encouraging Hawai'i residents to eat healthy foods, be more physically active and live tobacco-free.

KTA Super Stores will offer discounted costs on featured produce and give free food samples during cooking demonstrations in the stores. All grocery receipts will include messages that promote eating fruits and vegetables.

The project will be evaluated by the DOH Healthy Hawai'i Initiative in October, a news release said.

The state said research shows diets rich in fruits and vegetables as being helpful in maintaining healthy weight. It also may reduce risk for chronic diseases.

Store management plan to post signs and photos in the produce section to call attention to healthy items.

"When posted in areas where people are faced with a decision to do one thing or the other, signs... can help encourage the desired behavior," Project Manager Lola Irvin said.

KTA Super Stores operates five groceries under its name on the Big Island as well as the Waikoloa Village Market. The 91-year-old company also markets Hawai'i-grown products under its Mountain Apple brand.