Initiative Brings Healthy Food to Convenience Stores

Convenience stores located in so-called "food deserts" are getting some assistance in offering fresh food.

February 16, 2011

FRANKLINTON, Ohio - A program that helps convenience stores expand their offerings to more fresh foods has begun in Franklinton, Ohio, the Columbus Dispatch reports. The Healthy Corner Store Initiative is part of an effort to reduce obesity in low-income areas by creating more healthful food options at stores.

Lead by the United Way, the program will work with three corner stores in Franklinton and Hilltop this spring, with the changes in place by early summer. The group hopes the plan will prove successful enough to expand to other areas. Funded by Franklin County with a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the plan entails analysis of the stores, as well as equipment and shelving purchases to accommodate the new products.

The initiative seeks to develop a business model that could help the stores to offer healthful options profitably, said David Ciccone, senior impact director for health at United Way of Central Ohio.

Franklinton resident Patrick Kaufman said many neighbors are limited in their store selections because of transportation issues. Kaufman, who co-directs a community garden, will assist in the program.

Family Market used to stock onions and tomatoes but stopped because many customers eschewed the vegetables for other products. "I think it??s a good idea," said owner Imad Alshaibani. "But I don't have room for it. A corner store is not made for it. People come here for bologna or milk, some Hot Pockets. That's what they want at a corner store."

One of the things the Healthy Corner Store Initiative will do is bring stores in contact with local farmers for produce at a fair price, said Ciccone.

For more information about nutrition in convenience stores, check out the February 2011 cover story, "Uncover Nutrition," in NACS Magazine.

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