Chicago's Healthy Corner Store Initiative: Linking community-based approaches to city policy development

INTRODUCTION Many Chicagoans do not have access to full-service grocery stores, so they depend on corner storesfor food. One solution to the problem of limited healthy food access in low-income areas is to expand corner stores' capacity to stock and sell fresh, healthyfoods.As part of CPPW, Chicago's Corner Store Initiative combinescitywide policy with support for community-based organizations to work with local corner stores.

METHODS Chicago's project links community interventions to broad policy changes that will increase access to healthier food options and educate communities about the importance of healthy eating.

Through a competitive RFP process, three local organizations were funded and trained to work with corner stores in low-income neighborhoods. The organizations are building relationships with store owners, conducting assessments and developing action plans to support changes in the stores. Concurrently, representatives from the City Departments of Public Health and Housing and Economic Development are collaborating with the Mayor's Office to create incentives for store owners to support community-levelefforts.

RESULTS The following will be presented at APHA: Baseline corner store data on merchandise, positioning, and in-store promotions Improvements corner stores make in carrying healthy food items Details on the city's policy mechanism to support healthy corner stores

DISCUSSION Chicago is poised to adopt a sustainable model that combines city policy and technical assistance with community-based advocacy and outreach to retailers.