Change4Life corner shops to open across the country

Corner shops nationwide can now get help from the ‘Change4Life’ scheme to sell more fruit and veg – which should see a high number of people getting their 5 a day and shops seeing an increase in profits.

Following a successful pilot in the north east, corner shops across the country can now join Change4Life and work with the local NHS to promote healthier eating in their communities.

The shops will have a fruit and veg makeover, stocking a wide range of fruit and veg, 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 twelve shops in the North East last November and has been an overwhelming success. Over nine months, an additional 88 shops joined the programme and sales of fresh fruit and veg increased on average by 40 per cent, with around a third of shoppers saying they will buy more fruit and veg from their local store in future.

The expansion of the programme across England is now possible thanks to a new 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 help keep stock fresh.

Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health said:

“We all know we need to get more fruit and veg in our diet but getting your 5 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 per cent 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.”

James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores said:

“Local shops are at the heart of communities, and Change4Life’s help in improving the fruit and vegetable on offer in these stores can make a huge difference to the diet choices that people can make.

“The project focused on the North-East has already brought significant benefits to retailers and their customers, and the growth of the project is a big step forward.

“The launch of Change4life in convenience stores across England shows the enthusiasm and commitment from the convenience store sector to Change4Life and to promoting healthy choices.”

Shops interested in becoming Change4Life corner shops should contact the Association of Convenience Stores to get involved - acs.org.uk.