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The Healthy Corner Store initiative that sprang up last fall in Asbury Park is coming to a wrap next month.

A joint venture between EZ Ride and the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, the program seeks to offer those who depend on a bodega as their primary source for buying groceries more nutritious options.

“Many communities do not have large grocery stores within easy walking distance for residents,” local program administrator Lisa Lee of EZ Ride said. “The local corner store may serve as a primary destination for food shopping.”

The program aims to help combat childhood obesity and adult diseases preventable through embracing a better diet and exercise, such as high blood pressure.

The local venues that have participated in the program include: AP Deli on Atkins Avenue, La Tapatia on Main Street, Prime Convenience Store on Asbury Avenue, Sheffield’s Market on Bangs Avenue, Home Drug Store on Main Street, and Dark City Grill on Asbury Avenue.

Launched in 2016, the state program is administered locally through a $5,000 grant by The Food Trust, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids.

Each event features free healthy snack samples, preventive health screenings by nurses from Monmouth Medical Center, a free healthy foods basket raffle, nutritional information, and coupons for free fresh cut fruit cups, fresh produce and bottled water, and fitness items for kids.

“Our goal is simple – provide local residents, especially children, the opportunity to develop healthier eating habits by supporting store owners who are partnering in the effort to provide healthy choices and fresh produce for customers,” Lee said. “Since the grant ends this August 2018, we hope the stores will continue to sell fresh produce and healthier items. Residents are encouraged to let their neighborhood store know they appreciate having healthier foods and drinks available as alternatives to the sugary, fried and salty snacks that are typically sold.”

The following events [weather permitting] will wind down the program:

Monday July 30th, 2 to 4 p.m., Asbury Park Deli, 11 Atkins Avenue
Wednesday August 1st, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Tapatia Grocery, 707 Main Street
Monday, August 13th, 2 to 4 p.m., Home Drugs, 814 Main Street
Wednesday August 15th, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sheffield’s Market, 1106 Bangs Avenue
Tuesday August 21st, 2 to 4 p.m., Prime Convenience Market, 1221 Asbury Avenue

For more about the Healthy Corner Store initiative, visit njhealthycornerstores.heart.org, njymca.org, or thefoodtrust.org.

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