Healthy Corner Store Initiative
Steps to a Healthier Cleveland’s “Healthy Corner Store Initiative” strives to increase healthy food options in Cleveland neighborhoods. While corner stores are conveniently located throughout most Cleveland neighborhoods, they often lack fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat snack options and healthy beverages. This means that many Clevelanders have better access to unhealthy foods that are processed, pre-packaged and high in calories than they do to healthier foods that are high in nutritional value.The Healthy Corner Store Initiative aims to redefine the image and purpose of corner stores in Cleveland. The project engages local corner stores, nonprofit agencies, community development corporations, private businesses and local farmers to increase healthy and fresh food options in Cleveland neighborhoods.
Program partners
- Case Western Reserve University—Center for Health Promotion Research
- Ohio State University Extension
- Steps to a Healthier Cleveland, Cleveland Department of Public Health
Goals of the Healthy Corner Store Initiative
- identify the location and prevalence of food outlets around school settings that serve children traveling to and from school
- improve the food environments by increasing the access, availability and affordability of healthy food options
- utilize school- and community-based social marketing to increase demand for healthy food
- create vendor education and incentive programs to increase the supply of fresh and healthy food options at existing corner store locations
- decrease the signage and sales of alcohol and tobacco products
