Healthy Corner Stores Network

OpenFile, September 1, 2011. A new healthy corner store project is set to start in Toronto next year, sponsored by the city’s public health department. Perceived barriers to selling fresh foods include a lack of refrigeration and storage space. Also, taking care of fresh produce takes extra time and labor, which many small stores lack. Since it’s also difficult for smaller stores to access fresh food distributors, the project coordinator hopes to organize a local produce distribution network that will help storeowners save money, as well as support local farmers. This article includes a list of recommendations for successful healthy corner store initiatives, based on the experience of The Food Trust in Philadelphia.