BRATTLEBORO — 7-Eleven in West Brattleboro and Avenue Grocery on Western Avenue are leading the way to building a healthier community. They are the first two local retail outlets to implement the Healthy Retailers program sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health.
The Healthy Retailer program is designed to help owners and managers of independently-owned grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations create retail environments that encourage healthier food and beverage choices and discourage tobacco and alcohol use among youth.
7-Eleven replaced alcohol advertisements on store windows with Live Healthy posters, and vegetables, new varieties of fruit, and ground beef and pork products from local farms are now available for purchase.
“I am mindful now of the choices I offer my customers, and they've begun to tell me they've noticed a difference” said owner Louis Vitale.
Avenue Grocery also embraced the Healthy Retailer program and committed to removing all tobacco advertisements and removing alcohol advertisements in close proximity of products targeted to youth.
Owners Jean Maclean and Judy Wisell have increased their healthy food options and are engaging their customers for suggestions and feedback of additional healthy food items.
“We are customer-driven,” Wisell said. “We are seeking ways to invite our customers to suggest healthy items such as produce, meats, and seafood they want us to carry in our store.”
Cassandra Holloway, Policy and Project Coordinator for Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, encourages members of the community to recognize 7-Eleven and Avenue Grocery for their efforts, and to talk with other independent groceries and convenience stores about becoming a Healthy Retailer.
“This program is available free, and is truly a win for everyone,” she said.
Funding for this project is from the Vermont Department of Health's Community Based Prevention Grant Program that supports community health and wellness strategies. It is sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition.
Those who would like to learn more about the benefits of being a Healthy Retailer are encouraged to contact Holloway at 802-257-2175 or cassandrabapc@yahoo.com.