FIT Store
| The FIT Stores program won the "Best Non-Profit Project" |
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| The FIT Stores program by MSU & Neighborhood Ventures together won the "Best Non-Profit Project" of the 22nd Annual Neighborhood Business Awards.This annual celebration recognizes the great investment and dedication to neighborhood economic development in Grand Rapids. |
Project FIT community goals aim to increase access to healthy food and safe and healthy physical activity opportunities. While these goals have been addressed with various programs including a parent education series, wellness events, and zumba for teachers and parents, a major new community program to address better access to healthy food selections at corner stores within walking proximity to the schools is kicking off now.
To achieve this, Project FIT has partnered with Neighborhood Ventures, Inc. to introduce FIT Stores. Participating corner store markets, designated as FIT Stores, will have the opportunity to receive marketing and merchandising assistance from Project FIT and Neighborhood Venture, Inc. to offer healthier choices to their customers. Healthy food options focus on complimenting meals and snacks with five basic food groups: low-fat dairy, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans. Merchants can utilize opportunities to improve sourcing of healthy food supplies, marketing, display and merchandising, small appliance improvements such as refrigeration, and nutrition information that reinforces messages delivered to children and families through the schools.
This program is modeled after successful healthy corner store programs conducted in various cities such as Philadelphia and Washington DC. Watch for changes in participating neighborhood stores starting in early April, 2011!
Participating stores |
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