Healthy Retail Recognition Program

The purpose of the objective is to help improve the quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables available to local Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) eligible residents. There is also a need to change in-store marketing to lower marketing of unhealthy items and instead promote healthy items.

We are currently working with the City of Fontana to help local store owners to market healthier options sold in store. Food demonstrations are being done to make residents aware of the types of produce being sold in the store. Store owners have received a freezer unit and City of Fontana staff conducted in-store surveys with customers to gather feedback for stocking the freezer with fresh fruits, vegetables or other healthy items.

Before and after retail store environment surveys were done in 2018. This was part of the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch's (NEOPB) SHOP Healthy Here Pilot to gather data regarding store offerings and marketing of healthy and unhealthy items. Although the store will be reassessed in September 2019 to identify any additional changes, this objective was not completed due to limited resources. 

Talk with local store owners in your neighborhood to improve access and quality of fruits and vegetables being sold. As you raise your opinions and concerns, store owners may be more open to your requests. Also, you can help seek funding opportunities to help small stores purchase equipment and/or refrigeration units to help them sell more fruits, vegetables or other healthy items.

For more information, please visit the DPH Nutrition Site.