BLADEN COUNTY, N.C. – A half dozen stores in rural North Carolina will soon offer their customers fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to a grant program by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the News & Observer reports.

The grants help small food retailers like convenience stores purchase refrigeration equipment and shelving to stock fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy options. Six stores will receive grant assistance: Black Rock Deli, Stella's I, Tina's Country Cupboard, Hwy 242 Grill, Food Mart and One Stop Shop.

Tina Stalnaker, owner of Tina's Country Cupboard, will use the grant to stock healthier options. “We've got enough space where we can be kind of a small grocery store,” she told the news source. “(I hope to) offer more of the local farmers' produce and some fresh salads for people to grab on the go, fresh sandwiches, more yogurt and lower-fat milk.”

Stalnaker’s store is nine miles from the nearest grocery store, and says her customers are “excited” about having more fresh items. She is waiting on equipment, which is on order with help from the agriculture department.

“Corner stores and convenience stores are integral parts of their communities, and can play an important role in bring[ing] healthy local foods to the neighborhoods they serve,” said Brian Long, a spokesman with the agricultural department.