Healthy Corner Stores 

CAN DO has led development and facilitation of the Healthy Corner Store initiative which is the first of its kind in Houston/Harris County!  This initiative was piloted in the Sunnyside community in the Spring of 2013 based on input from residents.  After conducting a feasibility study in the Spring of 2012, CAN DO partnered with a local produce vendor to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to transform a corner store into one that provided numerous healthy options.  Produce was delivered weekly and SNAP was accepted.  Harris County Public Health (HCPH), Healthy Living Matters, Go Healthy Houston, and the Houston Health Department acknowledged CAN DO as trailblazers in this innovative area to create access to healthy foods through existing community assets and partnered with CAN DO to support the implementation of healthier corner stores in other areas of the city and county.  Since July 2014, CAN DO has expanded this initiative to 10 corner stores across 2 communities (Sunnyside and North Pasadena) through a multi-level intervention that includes procurement of quality and affordable healthier options (snacks, fruits, vegetables, beverages, grains), nutrition education, on-site cooking demonstrations and sampling, marketing, and various cost-saving promotions.  ​