New Healthy Corner Store Initiative Accepting Applications Now

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department (TLCHD) in collaboration with the City of Toledo are pleased to announce a new initiative aimed at increasing the availability and awareness of nutritious food and beverage options in neighborhood corner stores in underserved communities. The Healthy Corner Store initiative will work to respond to food access disparities observed in lower-income communities.

The initiative prioritizes food deserts and is encouraging interested small stores to apply, particularly if they serve residents receiving WIC or SNAP benefits. Through December 31, 2026, selected stores may be awarded up to $20,000 for items such as refrigeration and freezers to help with stocking fresh food items as well as educational opportunities for storeowners.

The Healthy Food, Small Market Program has three primary objectives:

1. Enhancing healthy food accessibility: The primary goal of the initiative is to improve access to nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, by bolstering the infrastructural capabilities of corner stores with essential resources like refrigeration and freezers to facilitate the effective stocking of healthy products.
2. Empowerment through training and technical assistance: Storeowners will receive comprehensive training and technical support to increase the retail availability and profitability of offering healthier dietary choices.
3. Fostering community partnerships: By forging robust connections between storeowners, local agriculturalists, and fresh food suppliers, along with private and public partnerships al working to improve food accessibility.

“Ensuring residents have access to healthy fruits and vegetables, is a part of our ongoing efforts to support health and wellness for families,” said Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi.

The notice of funding availability (NOFA), along with the application (accessible in English, Spanish and Arabic) can be found on the Health Department's website.

The Healthy Corner Store program is supported by ARPA funds.