In every community, access to healthy food plays a role in supporting thriving families, strong neighborhoods, and long-term health outcomes. Yet in many parts of Wichita, residents face barriers to finding fresh produce and nutritious staples close to home. This is where the Wichita Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI) steps in — transforming everyday neighborhood stores into catalysts for better health and wellness for all.
Corner stores — those familiar mom-and-pop markets — are woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods. They are often the most accessible places for residents in underserved areas to shop for food, but historically many offered limited healthy options. To address this gap and improve food access, the City of Wichita launched the HCSI in late 2024, with administration led by the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
The Healthy Corner Store Initiative takes a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that supports store owners and boosts community health. Stores begin by adding at least six new healthy products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, along with promotional materials. Owners receive training on selling fresh produce and other healthy items. This phased strategy helps corner store owners make incremental, manageable changes — from inventory and marketing to long-term investment — so that healthy foods are profitable for businesses and accessible for customers.
The Healthy Corner Store Initiative benefits both the businesses that participate and the residents they serve. Participating stores can see increased foot traffic and diversified product offerings, helping to grow their customer base while filling a vital community need. Meanwhile, residents gain convenient access to fresh produce and healthier options without needing to travel to larger grocery stores.
The program partners with community-based organizations to engage neighborhood residents, and local growers to boost the local economy and offer fresher products. This collaborative effort aligns business success with community health — a win-win that strengthens Wichita from the ground up.
Growth is already underway. Since its launch, twelve local stores have joined the initiative, and over $250,000 worth of produce has been distributed in low-income, low healthy food access neighborhoods in Wichita. This momentum is building real change in neighborhoods that need it most, helping make nutritious food a part of everyday life for more Wichita families. By investing in local businesses and empowering communities, the Healthy Corner Store Initiative is more than a program — it’s a movement toward a healthier Wichita.
