Trenton Healthy Food Network Launches with Four Stores

October 10, 2013 | Community News, Community News and Media, Trenton

New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Trenton (NJPHK-Trenton) has partnered with four neighborhood stores to bring residents healthier food options as part of the Trenton Healthy Food Network. Participating stores include:  Andy’s Food Plus (512 Pennington Avenue), Freddy’s Deli Grocery (50 Sherman Avenue), Monchy’s Deli Grocery (200 N. Clinton Avenue), and Trenton Meat Farms (1335 Princeton Avenue).

The goal of the Trenton Healthy Food Network is to increase the availability and sales of healthy, affordable food in local stores and bodegas.  “More than half of Trenton children are overweight or obese” said Marissa Davis, project manager of NJPHK–Trenton. “Our goal is to make it easy for Trenton families to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods.”

NJPHK-Trenton provided technical assistance to help the stores create healthy food displays and develop and implement marketing plans for the new items. As part of the initiative, participating stores will offer:

• Merchandise baskets that prominently display fruit, vegetables, and/or healthy snacks;
• Whole grain breads and cereals;
• Labels to help customers identify healthier snacks and drinks; and
• Simple recipes for healthy meals.

To encourage customers to make healthier choices, stores will distribute “buy five healthy foods–get one free” frequent shopper cards.  Store owners also will hold healthy cooking demonstrations and the first 200 customers will receive reusable shopping bags. “The stores we’re working with are not only committed to offering healthy and affordable options, they’re also making it a priority to encourage shoppers to buy healthier foods and drinks,” stated Davis.

Four “Get Fresh in Trenton” outdoor billboards have been placed in visible locations in the community to promote the Healthy Food Network initiative.  NJPHK-Trenton’s focus is on reversing the childhood obesity epidemic through environmental changes that support healthy eating and physical activity.

For more information about the Trenton Healthy Food Network, please contact Marissa Davis, NJPHK-Trenton project manager at 609-278-9677 or mdavis@trentonymca.org.  Information can also be found at www.njhealthykids.org.

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