Healthy eating initiative transforms Bay Shore Deli into ‘Healthy Corner Store’

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 healthy eating for families in underserved communities.

The deli and grocer have 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 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 U.S. 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.

The Bay Shore Deli’s participation was announced at an Aug. 6 open house that included distribution of $10 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.”

Jose Marmol, manager of the Bay Shore Deli, was enthusiastic about implementing the healthy changes.

“Bay Shore Deli is proud of our long record of service to our community,” said Marmol. “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.”

Indeed, by bringing the initiative to corner stores that are popularly frequented in their communities, the efforts are sure to have a greater impact.

“The reason Bay Shore Deli was selected was because of his willingness to showcase healthier food options, but also his long-standing interest in the community, and the relationship he naturally has with the community. When you walk in the store, you feel it,” shared Irene Macyk, executive director of South Shore University Hospital. “The people at Bay Shore Deli already have established trust with the community, and now people are coming in and seeing the healthy options first. And we will help you by giving you a $10 coupon, giving you the education you need, some healthy recipes, and hopefully influence their health in a very grassroots way.”

According to the CCE, the initiative not only benefits the communities of the seven corner stores taking part in the initiative, but the whole county.

“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.”