ACS

The Department of Health has announced a joint initiative with ACS to help convenience stores in deprived areas to sell more fruit and vegetables. This project forms part of a Government drive to get people eating more healthily and stem the tide of the rising obesity problem.

The Department of Health will be providing £200,000 per year over the next three years to help local shops achieve this, with the money going towards new shelving, chiller cabinets and promotional materials. Retailers involved will agree to stock and promote fresh fruit and vegetables – the aim of the project is to show that healthy ranges are viable and profitable.

A project coordinator will work with the stores to help them to maximise profits and minimise waste. The coordinator will also help the stores tie in with local initiatives such as plans to get more children eating their 5 A DAY.

Phase one will begin this autumn in the North East with the aim of getting 120 stores in the area on board by May 2009. Stores in areas of deprivation or where there is little fresh fruit and vegetable produce available to the public from other outlets will be offered the opportunity to participate. The initiative will be branded with the Change4Life logo - the new government-led movement set up to help everyone change the way they live and live healthier lives.

A similar scheme is already up and running in Scotland. The scheme, which started with 10 stores and now has more than 500 on board, has seen participating shops benefit from an increase in profits – anything from 20 per cent up to 600 per cent on fruit and vegetables. When questioned, people who live by the stores say that they eat more healthily and are using their local shop as their main source of fruit and vegetables rather than going to a bigger supermarket.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis said: “We know that children are more likely to get their sweets and fizzy drinks from their local shop and recent research found that teenagers frequently use shops on the way to and from school and during school lunch times. This scheme will help to encourage them to think twice and maybe opt for a healthier option.

“Consumer habits are shifting. People shop around at different outlets several times a week, so it’s important that people have the opportunity to buy fresh fruit and vegetables where it is convenient for them.”

James Lowman - Chief Executive, Association of Convenience Stores said: “We are glad to partner with Department of Health in this important project. Convenience stores trade at the heart of communities of all kinds throughout the country. They provide choice and convenience to all, and for some more vulnerable consumers provide invaluable access to food and services.

“Selling healthy food, fruit and vegetables in particular, is an area where we have seen tremendous innovation and investment. Working with DH we have an opportunity to facilitate the penetration of these changes deep into even the most deprived communities.

“Working together we can bring not only the access, but also the messages about healthy choices to the consumers that need it most. We are excited about being part of this flagship project that will be a kick start for the ‘Change4Life’ initiative.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Companies already involved in the project include: SPAR UK, Landmark, Bestway, Musgrave Retail Partners, Palmer & Harvey, Costcutter Supermarkets, Booker and Nisa Today’s.