Access to healthy foods through partnerships with local corner stores

Introduction:

Louisiana has one of the highest levels of obesity in the nation (27.1%). New Orleans is experiencing a severe lack of access to healthy foods. As a national average, each supermarket serves approximately, 8,800 residents. In Orleans Parish, there are more than 18,500 residents per supermarket. Since Hurricane Katrina, the number of grocery stores has decreased from 36 to 15. Many New Orleanians do not live within walking distance to a supermarket; nor do they have access to an automobile. As a result, they rely heavily on local corner stores for their purchases.

Methods:

The Steps to a Healthier New Orleans Corner Store Initiative aims to offer healthier foods to customers of neighborhood corner stores. Steps Corner Stores agree to stock at least 2 new items from the following categories: fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, or whole grain products. In return, Steps provides free in-store promotional displays, advertising in local newspapers and at community events, and other resources.

Results:

15 corner stores are participating in the program. They have added fresh fruit (14 stores) vegetables (13), whole grain products (13) and low fat dairy (10). One store has reported an increase in produce orders from $240 to $800 each week. An estimated $200,000 worth of earned media coverage was obtained for the Corner Store Initiative Grand Opening event through press events and newspaper coverage.

Conclusion:

Access to foods like fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, and whole grain products is key to helping New Orleans residents live longer, better and healthier lives.