Nutrition and Physical Activity Program - Healthy Retail Project Walking Tour

For the Walktober 2020 virtual event, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is highlighting improvements at Argentina Market on Villa Street and Lake Avenue Market on Lake Avenue. These two local corner stores participated in the Healthy Retail Project, a PPHD Nutrition and Physical Activity Program (NPA) designed to improve community health by increasing access to healthier food in small markets in areas of Pasadena where, historically, fresh produce has been hard to find. Commonly known as “food deserts”, corner markets and stores in these areas need support to improve access to healthier food. The Project funded façade improvements to enhance the storefronts with lively colors, inspiring health messages, and exterior herb planters. Inside the stores, the Project increased the volume and placement of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items to make the healthy choice the easy choice. With funding by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CalFresh Healthy Living Program, the NPA team and storeowners worked together to improve access to healthier food at a time when residents need it most.