NEW: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille invites community to ribbon cutting launch of new "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Wednesday 17 July 2013 NEW: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille invites community to ribbon cutting launch of new "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program All are invited and encouraged to attend WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District, invites the entire community to attend the ribbon cutting launch of the new "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program being implemented in Richmond. Born out of public-private partnerships with state and local elected officials, government departments, organizations, individuals and businesses; the "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program is being overseen by Tricycle Gardens, a local Richmond nonprofit organization committed to helping grow healthy food, healthy communities and healthy local food systems. Richmond's "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program is being modeled after "Healthy Corner Stores" initiatives that are being developed around the country aimed at helping to increase the health and wellness of communities. While there is no standard definition of what constitutes a "Healthy Corner Store," the initiative hopes to increase the sale and access to healthy foods. The event is being held at Clay Street Market, which is one of two pilot corner stores currently signed on as participants in this exciting new initiative in the Richmond East End 7th Voter District. Plans for implementation of the "Get Fresh East End! Healthy Corner Store" program at the Clay Street Market will be discussed at the event. They include the store's plans to significantly increase the types and amounts of fresh, locally grown, fruits and vegetables they sell. Also included in the program are plans for ongoing healthy food outreach education projects, cooking demonstrations and food tastings. Studies show that communities without large food supermarkets located in them are also those whose populations have increased rates of health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Often referred to as "food deserts," these areas are being targeted in hopes that increasing access to healthy foods and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices may help to lessen risks and improve the health of families. This event is free and open to the public and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. WHEN Thursday, July 18, 2013 Noon - 1:30 p.m. WHERE Clay Street Market 501 N 30th Street Richmond, Virginia 23223 (In Richmond’s East End 7th District) WHO The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District CONTACT For more information, please contact Sam Patterson, Council Liaison for the The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District, at 804.646.3012 (tel), or sam.patterson@richmondgov.com (email). or Ms. Sally Schwitters, Executive Director, Tricycle Gardens, at 804.231.7767 (tel); sally@tricyclegardens.org (email) - E N D - ______________________________________ Steven R. Skinner, APR Council Public Information Manager Office of the Chief of Staff RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) ______________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.