On Wednesday, City officials announced a new healthy eating initiative that helps combat obesity.  Shop Healthy NYC asks bodegas to prioritize the display of healthy food and produce while limiting the availability of junk food.  This program is launching in the Bronx, and food suppliers Jetro and Krasdale will provide storeowners with incentives to stock healthy options.  100 community groups and 150 shops in Fordham and West Farms, two high-need areas of the Bronx, are already on board, and will make an impact on approximately 136,000 New Yorkers.  With other healthy eating projects underway, including the NYC Health Department’s Health Bucks and Shop Healthy NYC’s Adopt-a-Shop program, there are a lot of great ways to get involved with eating healthy and improving food options in your community. To learn more about eating healthy and healthy food choices check out NYC Food.

Good news for fans of fresh fruit and vegetables – the New York City Health Department recently expanded their Health Bucks program. These $2 vouchers can now be used at any New York City farmers market.  Shoppers using  EBT or food stamps are also eligible to earn free Health Bucks for every $5 they spend, and community organizations in the South Bronx, Harlem, and Central Brooklyn can apply to receive Health Bucks to distribute to clients.  Learn more about farmers’ markets and Health Bucks here.