BRATTLEBORO — Community groups from across southern Vermont are collaborating with the Vermont Department of Health to promote healthy options within local retail outlets.
These groups are working with owners of independent grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations to create retail environments that encourage healthier food and beverage choices and discourage tobacco and alcohol use.
Research conducted by the Vermont Department of Health found that small changes within retail outlets can have a big impact on consumer health.
Positive changes the owners can make include raising the height of alcohol and tobacco signage so that it's at the eye level of adults, not kids; displaying water and low-calorie beverages more prominently; making sure that soda-pop-like alcoholic beverages are not displayed near drinks for youth; and recognizing that some customers are looking for local, healthier options versus prepackaged goods.
Coalitions are working with local retail outlet to make these community hubs healthier. These coalitions include the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition, The Collaborative, The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition, The Deerfield Valley Community partnership, Springfield Tobacco Options & Prevention (STOP), and Tobacco-Free Community Partners.
To help the community live healthier, members are supporting local retailers by offering point-of-sale materials like posters that show real Vermonters engaged in fun and healthy activities. The materials emphasize that “making small choices every day to eat healthier and be more active all adds up to a big change for the better.”
Coalitions will be distributing counter tent cards, cooler door clings, aisle signage, and bags to encourage shoppers to make healthy choices.
To find out more or to get involved, contact Robin Rieske at the Brattleboro office of the Vermont Department of Health at 802-257-2885..