Mystic Aquarium

MYSTIC, Conn. (December 30, 2008) – Shaw’s Supermarkets and Sea Research Foundation, Inc. have partnered to offer an incentive to customers to purchase new reusable polar bear bags this winter.

For every bag purchased, Shaw’s will donate a portion of the sale to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people to care for and protect our ocean planet. In return, customers will receive a discount on admission to the aquarium.

With every $1.50 polar bear bag sold in Connecticut, 10 cents will be donated to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Those who purchase the bags will receive a coupon for $3 off individual admission to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration for groups of up to four people.

“We want to encourage more shoppers to buy and use their reusable bags, which also will benefit Sea Research Foundation,” said Shaw’s President Larry Wahlstrom. “This campaign supports our mission of environmental stewardship.”

“This partnership benefits the environment on many levels – in reducing plastic bag use, driving visitors to the aquarium to learn about protecting our oceans and in providing support that will help Sea Research Foundation continue to carry out its mission,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research.

To celebrate the start of this program, educators will bring the aquarium’s traveling touch tank to the Shaw’s Supermarket at 11 East High St. in East Hampton on January 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the store’s Family Day. Customers will be able to learn more about Sea Research Foundation’s conservation efforts and touch some special marine creatures.

Other conservation-focused institutions throughout New England, including Seacoast Science Center in New Hampshire, Maine Audubon Society, New England Aquarium in Massachusetts, ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Vermont and Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, have also partnered with Shaw’s to offer similar incentives for sales in their respective states.

The polar bear bags will be sold at all Shaw’s Supermarkets and Star Market locations from January 2 through February 28.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

About SUPERVALU Inc.

Shaw’s, Osco and Star Market are a division of SUPERVALU INC. Throughout the six New England states, there are more than 200 store locations employing approximately 28,000 associates. SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States grocery channel with estimated annual sales of $45 billion. SUPERVALU holds leading market share positions across the U.S. with approximately 2,500 retail grocery locations, including approximately 920 in-store pharmacies. Through SUPERVALU’s nationwide supply chain network, the company provides distribution and related logistics support services to more than 2,500 independent retailers and other grocery endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU has approximately 190,000 employees. For more information about Shaw’s visit www.shaws.com or about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.