Starting in September 2013, select stores in Waterbury neighborhoods will be joining Brass City Harvest and the Waterbury Department of Public Health in an effort to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible and affordable for Waterbury residents.

Two neighborhood stores, Jascarli Mini Market and D&M Superette, will receive and stock fresh produce from local farms through Brass City Harvest and other vendors. By making fresh fruits and vegetables both affordable and convenient, these organizations hope to assist local customers in choosing items that provide good nutrition for them and their families. Eating fruits and vegetables is a vital component to maintaining good health, increasing energy, preventing chronic diseases, and managing body weight.

In addition to increasing access to fresh produce, the Healthy Corner Stores program will feature nutrition information, quick and easy recipes, food safety, cooking classes, and opportunities to provide feedback.

You are invited to in-store kick-off vents on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Jascarli Mini Market, 284 Colonial Avenue, Waterbury CT 06704, and Thursday, October 3, 2013 at D & M Superette, 1024 Baldwin Street Waterbury, CT 06704 for free tastings, quick and delicious recipes, nutrition information, and eligibility/enrollment information for SNAP and WIC supplemental nutrition programs.

The Healthy Corner Stores program is a collaborative effort between the Waterbury Department of Public Health, Brass City Harvest, and local neighborhood corner store owners. Based on results from a study recently completed through the Health Department, this initiative will help participating stores to offer fresh fruits and vegetables. The year-long initiative will serve as a pilot (trial) period to identify challenges and best practices for successful program implementation. At the end of the year, additional corner stores will have the opportunity to apply to participate as a “Healthy Store.”

Both kick-off events are completely free and open to the public. Please join us on Friday September 6th from 12-4pm at Jascarli Mini Market, and Thursday October 3rd from 12-4pm at D&M Superette to show your support for your neighborhood stores and help us celebrate equal access to good nutrition for all Waterbury residents.

If you have any questions about the Healthy Corner Stores program or the kick-off events, contact Rachel DiVenere, Waterbury Department of Public Health, rdivenere@waterburyct.org, 203-574-6780 x7228; or Susan Provonost, Brass City Harvest, brasscityharvestinfo@gmail.com, 203-759-7171.