Montefiore Medical Center's Healthy Store Initiative

New York

The Montefiore Healthy Store Initiative helps bodegas in neighborhoods with high rates of obesity prioritize healthy food options through investment, support, and education. Specifically, the health system works with local store owners to increase their inventories of fruits and vegetables, whole grain items, low-sodium foods, and low-added sugar foods and beverages, as well as to increase the visibility of water, and to develop healthy menu combinations for people who are coming in for take-out meals. Staff members regularly visit participating stores to provide technical assistance, specifically around signage, display, and promotion. On occasion, Montefiore also co-hosts events with bodegas to introduce new nutritious foods to customers. These events have included smoothie stands and tastings with chefs and nutritionists. Since the program's inception, Montefiore has helped nine bodegas earn the Shop Healthy NYC! designation.

Partner Organizations

• Montefiore’s Office of Community and Population Health
• New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Bodega owners
• Bronx Bodega Work Group
• Jetro (the main wholesaler for greater metropolitan New York bodegas)
• Various community-based organizations

Target Population

Residents of the Bronx neighborhoods of Highbridge, Morrisania, Eastchester, and Fordham Kingsbridge 

Care Team

N/A

Timeframe

2013 - present

Results/ Studies

N/A

Funding

Health system, grants

Resources

Case study by the Healthy Food Playbook