Healthy Corner Store Network “Heart Smarts” Program

In partnership with Jefferson’s Center for Urban Health, The Food Trust implemented and evaluated a pilot program that integrates cardiovascular risk screening and referral into the Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI), in Philadelphia, with the goal of empowering low-income adults to reduce cardiovascular risk. The HCSI is a network of over 600 corner stores that work to 1) increase access to healthy foods in corner stores; 2) provide store and community-based education on healthy eating and heart disease prevention; and 3) train store owners to stock and market healthy foods and comply with city policies to curb tobacco uses. The Heart Smarts pilot program connects healthy food access and nutrition education with primary care outreach by coupling in store free nutrition education by The Food Trust with screenings for blood pressure, BMI, stroke and heart disease by Jefferson health educators. Program outcomes include increased knowledge of cardiovascular disease and nutrition, increased access to health care as follow-up to screenings, marketing of healthy foods in corner stores, and decreased marketing/sales of tobacco products.

This session will provide an overview of an innovative partnership between a major medical center and a local non-profit working together at the intersection of nutrition, food access, primary care, and community health.