Improving the community food environment - The Cleveland Corner Store Project

Introduction: The Cleveland Corner Store Project (CCSP) sought to increase the consumption of local fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks and decrease exposure to alcohol and tobacco advertisements among Cleveland's residents with a focus on school-age children. It was funded by the Steps to a Cleveland initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Healthy Corner Store Network.

Methods: The CCSP partnered with area merchants of corner/convenience stores in three neighborhoods. A three phase pilot intervention occurred from September 2007 to September 2008. First, we utilized ArcGIS mapping to evaluate the distance between food outlets and community gardens. Secondly, merchant and customer surveys were administered. Lastly, one merchant from each neighborhood was selected (based on recommendations from a city councilperson and the Community Development Corporation) to implement the intervention. Community market gardeners were utilized to supply fresh produce to the merchants.

Results: CCSP authors chose to price the fresh fruit for individual sale and merchandise this featured fruit at the checkout or in a prominent area of the store. This strategy proved beneficial in increasing sales and minimizing spoilage.

Discussion: The project implementation was a success with all merchants following through with participation in program activities that were either provided or guided by the CCSP staff; healthy food demonstrations, strategic product placement of healthier items, and the increase of availability of fresh produce to their customers, while reducing the display of alcohol and tobacco signage, which was replaced with healthy message posters provided by the CCSP.