As part of a statewide effort to combat obesity, one western Massachusetts city has launched a pilot program to get healthier foods on the shelves of convenience stores. WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.
The city of Springfield’s health department is working with five stores, located in inner city neighborhoods, to help them stock and promote fruits and vegetables, low fat milk, whole grain breads and healthy snacks. The Healthy Corner Store Initative is funded with $10,000 from Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare. Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk of Harvard Pilgrim says the program is tailored to “ grab and go” shoppers.
Officials hope to expand the program to 20 percent of the convenience stores in Springfield over the next five years with help from the state’s Mass In Motion Initative..a campaign targeting obesity
