LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. – Two convenience stores have become part of a state-sponsored healthy-eating program, the Lincoln Times-News reports. Through a partnership with the Cabarrus Health Alliance, the Lincoln County Health Department received a regional Community Transformation Grant from the North Carolina Division of Public Health. The grant will provide the department with $2 million over a five-year time frame to help reduce the root causes of chronic disease.
As part of the project, two convenience stores are working with the health department to promote healthier fare. The Westside Market and the Country Corner Store and Café are the first two participants.
“Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet,” said Hardy Patel, owner of The Westside Market. “So, I think it’s important as a member of the community to offer healthier items to my customers.”
Kellie Hull, the healthy-food-environment coordinator, is helping the two stores get the program off the ground. “It’s really hard for people to make good, healthy choices when those choices aren’t available nearby,” she said. “That’s why we are partnering with local store owners … to offer better choices for Lincoln County’s residents.”
Patel’s store is close to a “food desert,” and he’s started to stock in-season produce, such as local honey, cabbage, onions, watermelon and apples, as well as beans, rice and whole wheat bread. “Customers’ response has been very positive, and we are really happy with being able to sell fresh produce,” he said. “We are selling our fresh produce at very reasonable prices so our local customers have the opportunity to purchase these items. I hope we can add some more fresh produce and other products in the future.”
At the Country Corner Store and Café, store owner Mark Harris has brought in similar items. “Around here, there’s a lot of neighborhoods whose residents will pop in to the store,” he said. “Once they know I carry produce, like Lincoln County homegrown tomatoes, they come in more and more for these items.”