Bong’s set to unveil its progress as a Spokane Healthy Corner Store March 5

SPOKANE, Wash. – March 1, 2011 – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) announced today that Bong’s Grocery and Deli (Bong’s) will soon show off its progress since being selected as a Spokane Healthy Corner Store last November.

Members of the media and public are welcome to attend the free celebration event, Sat., March 5, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Bong’s, 2040 W. Boone, Spokane. Noticeable improvements to the convenience store include a “Healthy Corner Area” with:

• A fresh produce rack complete with 15 varieties of seasonal fruit and vegetables
• A whole grains area with whole grain breads, cereals and rice
• Simple recipes for preparing these foods

As well, there will be labeling that indicates healthier snack and drink options throughout the store.

Activities and giveaways at the event are in the spirit of a healthier lifestyle, including:

• Raffle for a free bicycle with baskets
• Fresh fruit and vegetables with purchase of healthy food items
• Living lettuce grown here in Spokane County!!
• Free coffee from Indaba Coffee
• Neighborhood appreciation ceremony at 11:00 a.m.

A Spokane Healthy Corner Store commits itself to increasing the availability and sales of healthy, affordable food. Over the last four months, SRHD staff worked with the West Central Healthy Neighborhood Group and with Bong’s to provide technical assistance for wholesale purchases of healthy foods and to develop and implement Spokane Healthy Corner Store marketing and business plans.  

Leading up to the event, the public can comment on what healthy alternatives they would like to see on the shelves at Bong’s by completing this brief survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/82DWS9Q.

Technical support and marketing assistance for Spokane Healthy Corner Stores is paid for in part by a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Washington Department of Health’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (federal stimulus funds) and funding from the Spokane Regional Health District. The grant specifies that stores be selected from low income neighborhoods.

For more information, please become a fan of the Spokane Healthy Corner Store page on Facebook. Or contact Nancy Hawley at 509 324-1530 or nhawley@srhd.org. Information can also be found at www.srhd.org. SRHD’s website offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.