Makeover Days

See photos of our most recent Makeover Days on August 16th and 18th 2011 HERE!

The first two markets to join the Healthy Corner Store Initiative were New Battambang and Mi Quisqueya. Through customer surveys and discussions between the store owners and HCSI team, key “makeover” items were identified, like rearranging products to promote healthy and fresh food, improved labeling and marketing of healthy choices, and adding some new items to the stores’ inventory.

On Tuesday, August 10th 2010, the HCSI did the first whirlwind Healthy Corner Store Makeover at New Battambang, 366 Elmwood Avenue, with help from the Community Environmental College, and some neighborhood volunteers!

Before the makeover: This is what customers saw when entering New Battambang

After the makeover: The entrance to New Battambang shows off the great selection of produce!

The makeover began with rearranging shelves and products to promote healthy items in the front of the store, at eye level. Here, two students swap out some packaged foods.

Volunteers filled the freed space with New Battambang’s in-stock produce, local fruits and vegetables from Confreda Farms, and snacks ordered through the Urban Greens Co-Op.

Students from the Community Environmental College and New Urban Arts painted signs to advertise New Battambang’s healthy options

Outside, chefs from Kids First RI prepared healthy recipes using ingredients purchased from New Battambang, and Switch Beverages offered samples of their sparkling juice

The recipes are posted in New Battambang’s produce section and are free– take one!

With the makeover complete, New Battambang was officially declared the first participant in the Providence Healthy Corner Store Initiative! Be sure to stop in and shop at 366 Elmwood Ave. and see the changes for yourself!

On Saturday, August 14th, the HCSI team was ready for round two– a makeover at Mi Quisqueya, 933 Broad St.

Before the makeover: Customers entering into Mi Quisqueya walked straight toward a rack of chips and processed, packaged foods.

After the makeover: A new display with fresh foods and whole grain items stands tall at the entrance!

Volunteers and Community Environmental College students promoted and put WIC and “Healthy Corner Store, Healthy Choice” labels on the many healthy options already available at Mi Quisqueya, like 100% juice.

In the produce section, fruits and vegetables were rearranged and labeled, highlighting the local produce from Confreda Farms.

Outside, student artwork gave Mi Quisqueya’s signs a makeover!

Community Environmental College students filled a rack at the front of the store with local produce and healthy snacks!

Outside Mi Quisqueya, Rhody Fresh Milk offered samples of delicious, local, low fat milk, and Kids First and Switch Beverages offered tastings too.

At the end of the makeover, the HCSI and Mi Quisqueya owner cheered for the healthy changes. Go to Mi Quisqueya at 933 Broad St. to see them in person!