Are you a bodega owner interested in providing healthier offerings to your customers?
Find out how below.
In New York City, corner stores, or bodegas, are everywhere, and many residents rely on them as an everyday source for their food. However, , the selection of healthy choices at bodegas - like fruits and vegetables and low-fat milk -may be limited
Here are some things you can do to increase healthy choices at your bodega:
- Stock canned fruit "in its own fruit juice" or with "no sugar added"
- Stock 2 kinds of fresh fruits and 2 kinds of fresh vegetables (not including white potatoes, onions, lemons or limes)
- Stock low-fat milk (1% or fat-free)
- Stock low-salt (not more than 290mg/serving) or "no salt added" canned vegetables or soup
- Stock whole grain bread (at least 2g fiber/slice and whole grain listed as first ingredient)
- Stock 2 healthier snack items (for example, pretzels, baked chips, unsalted nuts, and low-fat yogurt)
- Offer water or low-fat milk (1% or fat-free) as part of a breakfast or lunch combo
- Display bottled water at eye level in refrigeratorsOffer and promote a healthier sandwich
Need more help creating a healthier store? Email us at bodegas@health.nyc.gov.
Program Background
Since January 2005, the Healthy Bodegas Initiative has worked with more than 1,000 bodegas in East and Central Harlem, the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn to increase access to and promote healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, low-fat milk and dairy products, and low-salt and no-sugar-added canned goods.
Bodegas are encouraged to apply for permits allowing them to sell fresh produce on the sidewalk in front of the store to increase the space afforded to fresh produce, and to include healthier foods into their deli and grab-and-go sections. The Healthy Bodegas Initiative also helps stores promote and advertise their healthier items to customers through in-store displays, improved storage and shelving, promotional materials, and window advertisements.
In addition to working with bodegas to increase their supply of healthier foods, the Healthy Bodegas Initiative recognizes the importance of increasing customer demand for these healthier foods. To this end, the Initiative provides nutrition education and outreach in target communities. Residents are taught how and why to shop healthier and they are encouraged to ask for healthier items from their local stores, both as individuals and as part of their larger communities.
