Institute for Family Health/Bronx Health REACH Receives $35,000 Grant from Newman’s Own Foundation to Support the Healthy Bodega Initiative

New York, NY (October 26, 2016)— For a second year in a row, Bronx Health REACH, a community coalition led by the Institute for Family Health, has received a $35,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation to support its Healthy Bodega Initiative. In partnership with the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) and The Bodega Association of the United States (ASOBEU), this funding will support outreach and a promotional campaign highlighting the healthy food options offered at bodegas that are participating in the Healthy Model Bodega program.

Bronx Health REACH Director Charmaine Ruddock remarked, “Support for the Healthy Bodega Initiative from Newman’s Own Foundation will increase awareness that South Bronx bodegas are a vital community source for healthy food items. The neighborhood bodega serves as an important access point to purchase fruits and vegetables.”

Ramon Murphy, ASOBEU President remarked, “This funding will help strengthen the health and well-being of the communities in the South Bronx that our bodegas serve. The healthy model bodegas that are members of the Bodega Association are improving their bodegas by offering healthy options for their customers.”

Julia Mair, Project Director at HITN stated, “Newman’s Own is synonymous with healthy foods that are both delicious and socially responsible. This new funding will promote the healthy food options offered at our healthy model bodegas.”

“We are proud to fund the Institute for Family Health’s Bronx Health REACH Healthy Bodega Initiative as they work to make a difference in our communities,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “They are one of the many organizations helping to identify needs and fill the gaps for children and families who lack access to healthy foods.”

The funding will go towards developing a bilingual consumer marketing campaign to increase demand for healthier options sold at bodegas in the Bronx. By the end of 2017, thirty bodegas will be participating in the Healthy Model Bodega program.

In addition to the funding from Newman’s Own Foundation, the work is also funded by a three year REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and funding from the New York State Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant.

The Institute for Family Health/Bronx Health REACH is a founding member of “Not62 – The Campaign for a Healthy Bronx,” responding to the Bronx being ranked 62 out of the 62 counties in New York State by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Ranking Report since 2009. The Healthy Bodega Initiative is part of this effort to improve the health of all Bronx residents.