Where do corner stores get their food? What are some strategies for helping corner stores connect with distributors and get better prices for fresh produce and other healthy foods?
Corner stores get their food from a wide variety of sources. Many items, including alcohol, tobacco, soda, and many ‘junk’ foods, are delivered regularly by various distributors. (In general, unhealthy food items are distributed much more widely than healthy ones.) Stores also may have one main distributor that supplies a variety of grocery items such as canned goods and paper products. They get fresh produce from a variety of sources that may include wholesale distributors or produce markets, large discount stores or buying clubs, supermarkets, and/or local farms or farmers’ markets. Purchasing produce at retail outlets is very common, and can contribute to higher prices at corner stores, since the store owner will add their mark-up to the retail price they paid. In many cases, corner stores are not aware of all the distribution options available to them. Also, it can be difficult for small stores to meet minimum order requirements or get good prices from distributors. Support organiz
