How much does it cost to participate? It’s free to participate, and we offer grants and other resources to support your store.

Do I have to stop selling tobacco or alcohol to participate?  No, you stay in full control of what you sell. Stores that choose to give up their Tobacco Retail License and stop selling tobacco are eligible for increased grant funding, but there are other options available if you prefer to continue selling tobacco.

What kinds of improvements are eligible for grant funding? Eligible improvements include but are not limited to shelving that better highlights healthy foods, new refrigeration for produce, signage updates, efforts to expand healthy food offerings, and efforts to move or reduce the visibility of tobacco products. We will work with you to plan the improvements that will best work for your store. 

My store is small. Can I still participate? Absolutely! We work with stores of all sizes and can help design changes that fit your space and needs.

What if I’m worried about how customers will react to changes? We understand this concern. Our team will work with you to make the transition smooth and positive, using marketing and communication tools that highlight your store’s new healthy options and the benefits for your customers and the community. 

Will you help me promote the changes? Yes! We offer optional additional program bonuses that reimburse for marketing materials like postcards, shelf tags, posters, and window decals to help highlight your improvements.

What’s the main goal of the program?
The goal is to help small retailers gradually shift their business model by adding more fresh, nutritious, and appealing food options, like produce, to maintain strong revenue while meeting community needs. Increasing access to fruits and vegetables not only supports your bottom line, but also helps make healthy foods more available in the community. At the same time, we aim to reduce the visibility of tobacco products to kids and create a healthier environment for families.

Is there a timeline for when we need to implement the changes in-store?
We expect most stores to complete their adjustments within 3 months, depending on their specific plan. Since each store will have different needs and goals, we’ll work closely with you to establish a reasonable timeline that aligns with your pace and resources.

How long do we need to participate in the program? Once adjustments are made, we ask stores to keep the changes in place for at least one full year. 

What support do you provide to help make the transition?
The primary support we provide is financial assistance through the program tiers and Additional Program Bonus. This includes grants to help cover costs for things like refrigeration, signage, and promotional materials, as well as reimbursement for healthier items you sell. We’re here to help mitigate any financial challenges during the transition, ensuring that you can implement the changes without significant upfront costs.

What kinds of healthy products do you want us to sell?We encourage a variety of healthy options that fit your store’s space and customer base. This can include fresh produce, healthier packaged snacks, whole grains, canned fruits and vegetables, and other nutritious pantry staples. The goal is to offer products that are accessible and appealing to your community, so we can help you choose items that best meet the needs and preferences of your customers.
Will you help us source or connect with distributors for these items? Yes, we’ll assist you in sourcing healthy products and connecting with distributors. 

How do we know which products will actually sell in our community?
We can help by surveying your actual customers to gather insights on what they would like more access to. This feedback will give you a better understanding of their preferences and help you make informed decisions about which healthy products to stock. 

What if we don’t have refrigeration or space for fresh items?
If refrigeration is a concern, we can help! If you’d like to participate in the program and need refrigeration, we can provide funding to purchase the necessary equipment. This way, you can offer fresh items and expand your healthy product selection without worrying about upfront costs. We'll work with you to ensure that the setup meets the needs of your store and customers.

What can we sell instead of fresh produce - if fresh produce isn’t an option at our store?
If fresh produce isn’t a fit for your store, ready-to-go packaged snacks or frozen produce are a great option. Our focus is on flexibility, so you can choose items that align with your space and customer preferences. There are plenty of nutritious, shelf-stable snacks—like whole grain chips, granola bars, and dried fruit—that can be a perfect addition to your offerings. Or we can talk about frozen vegetables and fruit.

Do you help promote the store or new products? Yes, we offer support to help promote your store and the healthier products you’re introducing. If you choose the appropriate optional additional program bonus, we can reimburse for promotional materials such as flyers or mail-able coupons to help spread the word in your community and attract more customers to your store. Additionally, we can help you design other marketing options based on your insights into what will resonate with your customers, helping increase visibility and drive traffic to your store.

Can we get signage, shelf tags, or promotional materials?While we don’t provide these materials directly, they are available as one of the optional additional program bonus options in the program. If you choose this additional program bonus, we’ll reimburse you for the cost of signage, shelf tags, and other promotional materials to help highlight healthier products in your store. These resources can be customized to fit your needs and help draw attention to your fresh offerings.

Do you offer incentives to attract customers to the healthier items?
Yes. The program includes optional additional program bonuses that can help you promote healthier products—such as customer loyalty tools or neighborhood coupons to drive traffic and build interest. These incentives can be tailored to your store and community. We can also help you gather direct feedback from customers through simple in-store surveys, so you know exactly which healthy items they’re most interested in seeing on your shelves.

Will there be any media coverage or community events tied to the program? Possibly. Depending on your location, we may coordinate with local partners or media outlets to share your story and celebrate your participation.

Do you offer funding or reimbursements for changes (like equipment or signage)?
Yes. All participating retailers are eligible for optional additional program bonus funding that can be used to support store changes—such as purchasing equipment, updating signage, or stocking new products. This bonus can be added onto any tier you choose, giving you flexibility to make meaningful upgrades without financial strain.

What if the healthy products don’t sell—do we lose money? We’ll start small and use a test-and-learn approach. You’ll choose the items, and we’ll support marketing to reduce the risk of unsold stock.

Is there a financial incentive for participating in the program?
While there isn’t a direct financial payout beyond the program’s grant structure, participating retailers will be reimbursed for the healthy items they sell. Each participation tier also includes a grant to help offset any potential loss in income from reducing tobacco visibility. We want you to be successful, and this program is thoughtfully designed to mitigate the risk of your store losing money during the shift. Our goal is to support a smooth, sustainable transition that benefits both your business and your community.

Can we still run our business the way we want to?
Absolutely. You stay in control of your business—we’re just here to offer tools, resources, and support to help you succeed.

Who do we contact if we have questions or need help after joining?
You’ll have a dedicated contact person for ongoing support, troubleshooting, or anything else you need throughout the program.

What happens if we don’t meet sales goals for healthier items?
The focus of the program is on gradual, sustainable change rather than hitting strict sales targets. We will work with you to assess any challenges and adjust your strategy. We understand that every store and community is unique, and we’re here to provide ongoing support to help make healthier options more appealing to your customers. The goal is to grow a healthier product selection over time, with the program designed to support your success.