Monday July 9, 2012

BRATTLEBORO -- Two stores in Brattleboro are taking part in a program called Healthy Retailers, sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health.

The 7-Eleven in West Brattleboro and Avenue Grocery are the first two local retail outlets to implement the program, which 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 of West Brattleboro has replaced alcohol advertisements on store windows with Live Healthy posters. Vegetables, new varieties of fruit, and ground beef and pork products from local farms are now available for purchase at the 7-Eleven.

"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. "I have customers who now visit my store specifically for these new healthier products."

Avenue Grocery on Western Avenue has committed to removing all tobacco advertisements and removing alcohol advertisement 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.

"I’m thrilled to be working

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with retailers who are excited to embrace this opportunity to provide a positive influence in their community," said Cassandra Holloway, Policy and Project Coordinator for Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition. "I encourage members of the community to take a moment to recognize 7-Eleven and Avenue Grocery for their efforts and talk with their independent grocery, convenience store and/or gas station about becoming a Healthy Retailer. This program is available free and is truly a win for everyone."

Funding for this project is from the Vermont Department of Health’s Community Based Prevention Grant Program that supports community health and wellness strategies. The Healthy Retailers program is sponsored by the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition and is available to store owners or managers of independent grocery stores, convenient stores, and/or gas stations.

To learn more, contact Cassandra Holloway at Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition at 802-257-2175 or cassandrabapc@yahoo.com.