Published by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the United Fresh Produce Association, this new resource looks at distribution options available to store owners and provides an overview of the various options available to retailers seeking to increase their fresh produce offerings.

This study assessed whether proximity to a supermarket modified the effects of an obesity intervention for participating children aged 6 to 12 years with a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile. Authors found that living closer to a supermarket is associated with greater improvements in fruit and vegetable intake and weight status in an obesity intervention. 

In 2013, Virginia Community Capital (VCC) launched the Virginia Fresh Food Loan Fund to enhance access to nutritious foods in Virginia’s inner cities, small towns, and rural communities. As a community development financial institution (CDFI), VCC supports small businesses and community development projects by offering flexible capital, investment opportunities, and advisory services.

This report is volume 3 of USDA’s food hub technical report series and provides modules, best practices, and financial benchmarks for different stages of business development for food hubs to assess their own financial viability and assist in making strategic business decisions to maximize profits and control costs.

• Seed money, including funds for planning and administration, is important for a successful launch. 
• To date, the majority of HFFI dollars have gone to support already established business owners. 
• Many healthy food projects are not equipped to take on debt. Grants or forgivable loans are needed in order to produce additional healthy food outlets, especially in areas that, from a business standpoint, would be considered unprofitable. 
• Flexible sources of capital are critical for maximum deployment of funds, and project requirements should not be overly restrictive. 
• HFFI-funded projects have helped to create jobs, expand healthy food retail, and eliminate food deserts. In some neighborhoods, these projects also spurred additional community revitalization. (4) 
• There are several cases of HFFI loan recipients partnering with other organizations, including community clinics, medical schools, and fitness facilities, to improve resident health. According to managers of HFFI funds, retail outlets need to be rooted in the community in order to be successful. To that end, business owners can play an important role in supporting population health improvement goals. 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Wilder Research conducted a mixed-methods study to provide information to those interested in improving Minnesota's food retail environment.