The grand opening of Pasadena’s first neighborhood store to adopt the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Healthy Retail Program format is slated this Saturday. The grand opening is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Rio Meat Market & Restaurant, 2029 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Healthy Retail Program demonstrates a commitment that neighborhood stores have invested in providing affordable and healthier food and meal options. The program is part of a statewide movement called “Champions for Change,” that seeks to improve the health status of low-income Californians by supporting fruit and vegetable consumption and increased physical activity. More information is at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cpns/Pages/RetailProgram.aspx.
Rio Meat Market & Restaurant now features a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, portion-controlled menu selections, children’s plates with fresh fruit and a store layout that prominently displays healthier food and beverage options. In addition to the PPHD, transformation assistance came from the Flintridge Foundation, Day One Pasadena and Pasadena Youth Build.
“We want to empower families to choose healthier foods that can contribute to better health,” Dr. Goh said. “Rio Meat Market & Restaurant is a great example of a local store creating dialogue with the community to increase access to nutritious foods.”
Local businesses interested in receiving free technical assistance as part of the Healthy Retail Program should contact Mary Urtecho-Garcia at mugarcia@cityofpasadena.net. The PPHD Nutrition & Physical Activity Program is funded by the CDPH Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch.
Pasadena is only one of three cities in California with a municipal health department. For more than 120 years, PPHD has worked to promote and protect the health of the greater Pasadena area. Visit the department online at www.cityofpasadena.net/publichealth.
Mayor Bill Bogaard and Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh are the event’s keynote speakers along with store owner Esthela Borja, who will share her inspiring story and vision for providing healthier food options in Northwest Pasadena.
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