28/07/2009

More People To Get Their Five-a-Day With Change4Life

Corner shops nationwide will get help from Change4Life to sell fruit and vegetables - meaning more people will get their five-a-day and shops will see an increase in their profits.

Secretary for State for Health Andy Burnham made the announcement, following a pilot in the north east. As a result, corner shops across the country can now join Change4Life and work with local NHS to promote healthier eating in their communities.

The shops will have a fruit and veg makeover, stocking a wide range, displaying Change4Life posters and signs, and appointing a member of staff to champion fresh fruit and veg in store.

The trial run of the programme began with 12 shops in the north east last November and has been successful. Over nine months, an additional 88 shops joined the programme and sales of fresh fruit and veg increased on average by 40%, with around a third of shoppers saying they will buy more fresh produce from their local store in future.

The expansion of the programme across England is now in place thanks to a Change4Life partnership with the Association for Convenience Stores, an organisation which represents more than 28,000 retailers and suppliers in England, including well known franchises such as NISA Local, SPAR and Landmark.

The Department of Health will continue to support a number of shops in less well off areas where fruit and veg is less easily available, providing fridges to keep stock fresh.

Mr Burnham said: "We all know we need to get more fruit and veg in our diet but getting your five-a-day can be a real challenge. Having a selection of fresh fruit and veg available at your local corner shop makes it that little bit easier.

"Change4Life corner shops have been really successful in the north east with an average increase of 40% in sales of fresh fruit and veg from the stores.

"The scheme going nationwide is fantastic news for everyone - a boost to local customers' health and to shopkeepers' profits."

(JM/BMcC)

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