WASHINGTON – FoodTank.com writes that healthy retail programs in urban areas are helping change the way people eat across the United States.

“From DC Central Kitchen’s Healthy Corners to the Long Beach Healthy Market Partnership, health agencies, community organizations and small businesses are teaming up to increase food access in underserved communities. These partnerships can help small corner stores increase their healthy offerings by providing a toolbox of resources and guidance,” writes Food Tank.

According to studies from PolicyLink and the Food Trust, low-income neighborhoods often have limited access to grocery stores and fresh produce, making the local convenience stores the main food source. While some c-stores may be lacking in a fresh food offer, others are recognizing the need to stock fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and dairy products.

Through the Healthy Corner Store program in Richmond, Virginia, storeowner Jaheim Algaheim says in a video, “A lot of my customers are senior citizens, so it makes me feel good that they don't need to walk a lot just to get anything fresh.” Hannah Robbins of the Richmond program comments that the community's recognition “of the now accessible healthy food products in these local corner stores has been well-received and much appreciated.”

Food Trust notes that corner store conversions can help stimulate local economies. For example, the 95% of the corner stores participating in the D.C. Healthy Corner Store Program in Washington, D.C., agree that taking part in the program has increased overall in-store profits. Storeowners say fresh fruit cups, grab-and-go salads and bananas are the most popular items.

Summing up how healthy corner store initiatives are helping communities, the Food Trust says that by increasing supply and demand for healthy foods, “retail partnerships combat food deserts and reinvigorate local economies. The end results put a nutritious diet and good health within reach for many more communities, all while creating a more equitable food system.”