Four businesses in Southwest Michigan are helping residents in their area have access to healthier foods thanks to a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Michiana and Be Healthy Berrien.

YMCA community wellness coordinator Jenny Geisler tells us the Be Healthy Corner Stores program connects smaller stores in areas deemed “food deserts” with fresh produce. It’s currently working with Sommerfeldt Farms in Benton Harbor to get healthy items into shops in Watervliet, Covert, and Benton Harbor.

Geisler says when program organizers identify areas far removed from large grocery stores, they reach out to the retailers that are available. From there, some planning goes into what can be provided to the shops.

“Each store has something different,” Geisler said. “The store owners do an incredible job about speaking with the residents of the community about what they want to see and then catering to those needs.”

Geisler says over the years that Be Healthy Corner Stores has been active, it has made a difference to the residents of those food deserts.

“We do get an incredible amount of feedback from residents that are extremely happy that they can do their shopping and they don’t have to find a ride to get across town to a bigger grocery store.”

Currently, Be Healthy Corner Stores is working with B&B Grocery in Watervliet, Citgo in Covert, El Mercado in Benton Harbor, and Millburg Red & White in Benton Harbor.

Geisler says some shops that were once part of Be Healthy Corner Stores eventually graduated out of it and continued stocking fresh produce on their own. She says any shop owners interested in being a part of the program can contact the YMCA of Greater Michiana.

You can learn more about the Be Healthy Corner Stores program right here.