Healthy Corner Store Initiative: Strategies for Creating Healthy Communities

A major barrier to reducing childhood obesity is competitive foods from corner stores. In urban neighborhoods, these stores offer a cheap and convenient food source. Youngsters' snacks add an estimated 610 calories each day - one third of their daily caloric needs. The Food Trust, in partnership with Temple University's Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) is implementing a multifaceted project that combines education, social marketing and increasing availability of healthier snacks in the corner store environment.

The Healthy Corner Store Initiative promotes healthy snacking behaviors in at-risk, minority urban youth. “Healthy School Snack Zones” were created in five low-income Philadelphia neighborhoods, engaging approximately 1,500 fourth-to-eighth-graders. Students receive lessons about healthy snacking. Through youth leadership activities, they work towards promoting healthier choices and creating change in corner stores. Social marketing messages promoting healthy snacking are displayed in schools and stores and direct children to healthier snack options. Stores are equipped with refrigerated barrels stocked with fresh cut fruit using the Snackin' Fresh logo. Stores carry water branded with the logo

Preliminary results reveal that 70% of urban children in grades 4 through 6 reported shopping at corner stores at least once a day. They purchased an average of 360.0 ± 288.1 calories, and spent $1.08 ± 0.93 (N = 817 purchases). The most frequently purchased items were energy-dense, low-nutritive foods and beverages

Corner stores can play a positive role in combating childhood obesity. Children's caloric intake can be reduced through strategies that combine school-based education and marketing with increased affordability of healthier foods.