Results from a community initiative using a NYC department of health toolkit to increase the availability of healthy foods in corner stores

Background: Corner store interventions have potential to address access to healthy food in low-income communities. However, successful changes need to be driven and sustained by customer demand. New York City provides a free toolkit for community groups to work with local stores to change offerings in a flexible, tailored way. We describe results after two schools, in conjunction with a community group, used this kit in the Bronx, NY, to change the corner store where students shopped and compare them to two stores near other schools that did not undergo the intervention. Methods: Parents at both schools received nutrition education prior to using the toolkit. Corner stores nearest to the schools were selected. Customers at all four stores were surveyed about their purchases at baseline (May), and after changes were introduced (October). In addition, participating parents were surveyed and store owners interviewed. Results: Overall 779 customer surveys were collected. There were no changes in purchasing patterns of food items at the stores. Store owners were receptive to the intervention but faced challenges identifying healthy foods, sourcing them, selling them at competitive prices, changing infrastructure, and overriding their distributors. Parent groups were reluctant to push for changes and faced challenges engaging the larger community. Changes made were not sustained. Discussion: Results will provide important information on how to shape future policies focusing on improving food environments, specifically small corner stores. Community Store owners were receptive to community suggestions, but could not fully implement and sustain the changes.