Healthy Eating Initiative Launches Long Island’s Newest "Healthy Corner Store" in Bay Shore
The Bay Shore Deli at 60 Redington Street in Bay Shore has become the latest “corner store” to join a Long Island-wide initiative that improves access to healthful eating for families in underserved communities.
The deli and grocer has joined the “Healthy Corner Store” campaign, which is organized by Riverhead-based Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk). The program promotes greater access to fruits, vegetables, water, whole grains, and low-fat dairy items across the bi-county region. As part of its involvement in the initiative, the deli has also modified its signs and store layouts to promote healthful eating habits.
The Bay Shore Deli’s participation was announced at an August 6 “open house” that included distribution of store coupons and free, reusable shopping bags, as well as food tastings that reinforce healthy shopping and eating.
“Identifying food deserts and areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in our communities is the first step in this initiative,” said Marta Blanco, Bilingual Nutritionist with CCE Suffolk and leader of the Healthy Corner Store program. “Corner stores are often the only nearby option for food in many communities, so it's crucial that we make the effort to bring nutrition solutions to these convenient locations. By improving the availability of fresh produce and promoting water among other healthy foods in corner stores, we increase the chances that the community will adopt our recommendations and embrace healthier eating habits.”
"Bay Shore Deli is proud of our long record of service to our community," said Jose Marmol, Manager of the Bay Shore Deli. "We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension to help our customers make more nutritious food choices. The improvements that we've made in our store are certain to help improve the health of Bay Shore families.”
“Good nutrition plays a critical role in raising happy and healthy families,” said Suffolk County Legislator Samuel J. Gonzalez. “Bay Shore Deli deserves much credit for joining the ranks of ‘Healthy Corner Stores.’ The deli is making a valuable contribution to our community.”
“Healthy eating delivers many benefits for Long Islanders and all Americans,” said New York State Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo. “It can help lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and help prevent a wide range of diseases. Congratulations to Bay Shore Deli for their commitment to good health.”
“Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps to ensure that our bodies get the nutrition we need,” said New York State Senator Dean Murray. “We applaud Bay Shore Deli for taking important steps to promote the health of local residents. They're setting an excellent example for food providers throughout our community.”
“The ‘Healthy Corner Store’ program is elevating the quality of life in the Town of Islip and in multiple communities throughout Long Island,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “When we eat more fruits and vegetables, that means we're avoiding excessive consumption of salt and sugar. Bay Shore Deli stands as a leader in promoting good nutrition.”
“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County has a proud record of promoting the economic health of our county’s vital agricultural sector,“ said Vanessa Lockel, Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. “The ‘Healthy Corner Store’ program helps us fulfill our agricultural mission. It makes perfect sense for local food markets to promote consumption of our community’s first-class produce.”
The “Healthy Corner Store” program is sponsored by CCE Suffolk’s SNAP-Ed program, along with Cohen Children’s Medical Center and Northwell Health, which are both based in New Hyde Park. It is supported by the US Department of Agriculture’s SNAP food assistance program. SNAP, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was formerly known as the “food stamp” program.
CCE Suffolk launched its regional program in 2015. With the addition of the Bay Shore Deli, a total of seven “corner stores” on Long Island are now taking part.
Each “Healthy Corner Store” undergoes a physical needs assessment encompassing its layout, setup, and items stocked, as well as an assessment of its inventory. Owners and staff then identify strategies and work plans tailored to the specific store, pinpointing the health and nutrition benefits of small but critical changes within the store environment. Dedicated signage also helps organize and highlight fresh fruit and vegetables choices.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Established in 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is a non-profit community education agency that works to preserve the county’s agricultural resources, marine life, protect our eco-systems, support families, provide community service opportunities for youth, and advance research-based education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Affiliated with Cornell University as part of the national land grant university system, CCE Suffolk’s staff consists of educators, researchers, specialists, and support personnel who are dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work.
CCE Suffolk is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under an organizational model approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York.
More information is available at http://ccesuffolk.org/.