What is a healthy corner store?
The Healthy Corner Stores Network (HCSN) has not developed an ‘official’ definition of a healthy corner store, and network participants use a range of criteria in their projects. Some organizations have developed specific standards that stores must meet in order to earn some type of healthy corner store designation. These standards typically include requirements to stock certain types of items (such as whole grain bread, low-fat milk, or fresh produce) and/or a minimum number of healthy items (such as six types of fresh produce). In Hartford, standards for “Healthy Food Retailers” are based on the percentage of shelf space dedicated to healthy foods, and increasing that percentage each year. In New York City, the health department has developed standards for three levels of “Star Bodegas,” which also creates incentives for stores to make ongoing improvements. Some healthy corner store standards require stores to actively promote healthy foods, or to restrict or eliminate ads for tobacc
Related Questions
- We have a fast food restaurant and corner store within 2 blocks of our secondary school. How can our healthy food compete with what they are selling?
- How can corner store initiatives link with broader efforts to develop healthy communities and provide access to healthy foods for everyone?
- What kinds of information are effective in persuading corner store owners to stock and sell healthy foods?
