Introduction: The Trenton Healthy Corner Store Network is part of a statewide program implemented in New Jersey by several community partners to increase healthy, affordable food choices in local corner stores. It has been suggested that 10% of the New Jersey population lives in food deserts, lacking access to healthy food options. Lower-income urban neighborhoods with decreased access also have higher rates of childhood obesity; New Jersey currently has the second highest toddler obesity rate in the nation. Additionally, corner stores are often located near schools, providing schoolchildren with easy access to unhealthy snack choices like chips, candy, and soda.
Methodology/Implementation: In early 2018, the Trenton Healthy Corner Store Network was expanded to include five urban corner stores with a commitment to promote, market, and display healthy food choices. Each corner store was provided with a small refrigerated section to display in the front of the store for produce. This initiative was expanded by The Food Trust to include the Heart Smarts Program, including nutrition lessons and Health Screenings. In the Heart Smarts Program, a local chef prepares healthy recipes shoppers can taste test while learning about healthy food choices. All recipe ingredients are available for purchase on site, and each participant receives four Heart Bucks ( each $1), redeemable for any heart-healthy food items in the corner store. Participating families benefit from nutrition education and Health Screenings (blood pressure, BMI ), by a registered nurse with a referral process for follow up if needed. Children visiting Healthy Corner Stores after school see healthy snack choices such as fruit and yogurt on display in the front of the store, encouraging healthier choices.
Evaluation/Results: Success of the Trenton Healthy Corner Store Network has been measured by community interest, participation , and amount of produce and healthy food choice sales. Store owners report increased frequency in re-stocking due to selling out of produce, rather than spoilage as in the past. Increased sales of healthy food items and decreased waste has allowed pricing on healthier food options to decrease, which may encourage more healthy food choices (Afshin, et al., 2017). Corner store profits and customer requests for healthy food items increased. By increasing access to healthy food choices, New Jersey is improving the health of their children and families, building a culture of health.