Do Right!® Healthy Corner Store Network: An innovative approach to equip corner stores within underserved communities with greater access to and education of healthy, affordable foods

To address persistent health disparities among underserved populations, community organizations must implement innovative prevention efforts. "Food deserts" consist of areas that lack access to healthy, affordable food options, typically within walking distance—characteristically in the form of a supermarket.  The Center created the Do Right!® Healthy Corner Store Network (HCSN) in response to a citywide task force initiative to provide greater access to and education about healthy foods in low income communities.  The Do Right!® HCSN is a replica of the Philadelphia Food Trust Model coupled with unique components of nutrition education; its mission is to increase availability of, access to, and education of healthy foods within the HCSN.  This session will describe key elements of the HCSN, including education, training, and resources for the HCSN, as well as the partnership with and implementation of the community educational reward system within local schools, known as the Stamp Book.  Currently, community education efforts are underway in six stores and three schools in four Cincinnati neighborhoods.   Nutrition and wellness classes are integrated within the school’s standard core 4-6^th grade courses and allow students to taste healthy foods and learn how to prepare healthy meals—equipping them with skills necessary to make healthier choices.  Families participating in the Stamp Book program earn stamps for purchasing healthy foods within the HCSN and for participating in school-wide educational efforts; completed Stamp Books are eligible for healthy incentives.  Efforts are currently underway to expand the HCSN to 36 stores in 10 neighborhoods by the end of 2014.