TOLEDO, Ohio — Accessing fresh fruits and vegetables can be an obstacle for families living in some Toledo neighborhoods. Sometimes, the best way for people to get food is to go to the nearest corner stores where they live.
The Healthy Corner Store Initiative is a partnership between the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department and the city of Toledo to ensure that every person — no matter where they live — has an opportunity to buy fresh vegetables and fruits.
Through Dec. 31, 2026, selected stores could be awarded up to $20,000 for items like refrigerators or freezers to help stock fresh produce.
Shannon Jones, the Deputy Health Director for TLCHD, said this is important for people who might live in a community with a grocery store nearby.
"Several areas of our community don't have the healthy fruits and vegetables that are readily accessible for those living within that neighborhood," Jones said. "They have to take a bus, or they may have to have other transportation across town just to get a piece of fruit or vegetable."
This initiative covers three main objectives: improving access to nutritious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables; empowering store owners to increase healthier dietary options through training and technical assistance; and fostering community partnerships between store owners and fresh food suppliers.
Jones said there are also other reasons why the program is needed.
"The childhood obesity rate is ever climbing, our adult obesity rate is up, there's heart disease. All of this plays into someone's diet and having a healthy lifestyle," Jones said. "That starts with good nutrition."
The health department encourages stores that serve people who get WIC or SNAP benefits to apply. More information is available on the TLCHD website at this link.
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