City Backs Local Grocers to Expand Healthy Food Choices for Residents

Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined by City Council members and local store owners to announce the launch of the City’s Healthy ROC Grocer program today at City Hall. 

The Healthy ROC Grocer program identifies and increases awareness of small grocers that offer nutritious foods in city neighborhoods. These convenient locations are easy to access and are important resources for regular grocery shopping as well as for last-minute meal ingredients. The City works with qualifying stores (those that offer a range of healthy foods from multiple FDA-recognized food groups) and provides free in-store signage and point-of-sale materials as well as an advertising campaign and website.  

"I'm proud of small grocers across the city who serve their neighborhoods with healthier food choices and not simply stock junk food and sodas with little to no nutritional value,” shared Mayor Evans. "We have identified a number of small shops that are supporting their communities with quality foods and sometimes hard-to-find ethnic options. We know there are more out there, and we are excited to hear from others who want to get involved.” 

Shannon and Kevin Rowe, owners of Empire Meats, offer vegetables, dairy, and meats at three locations across the city. “We are excited to be a part of the Healthy ROC Grocer program and take advantage of everything it offers,” said Shannon. “We do everything we can to serve our customers healthy delicious options for any meal. When you’re in any of our stores, you’re in our home.” 

The City has 24 grocers currently involved in the program. To participate, stores must pass an evaluation of their healthier food options; have no federal, state, or city violations; and promise to use the free point-of-sale items provided by the city only for displays of nutritious foods. The City will continue to accept stores on an ongoing basis. 

To find a list of stores, visit www.cityofrocester.gov/healthyrocgrocer/. If you are a grocer in the city of Rochester and want to get involved in the program, go to www.cityofrochester.gov/grocer/ to learn more.