Chula Vista "Cilantro to Stores" Program
Chula Vista Cilantro to Stores
Program
About the Program
The Cilantro to Stores program aims to
increase access to local, fresh farmed fruits and vegetables in
Western Chula Vista by working with four corner stores. This
program contributes to the local economy for both farmers and local
corner stores and to the health of the environment by providing
more healthy food choices. New equipment and furnishings have
been installed in the four stores to create the capacity to stock,
merchandise and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, which are sold by
local certified farmers. The program helps to establish a
distribution system with local certified farmers, and also provides
technical assistance to the storeowners on the handling and storage
of produce.
Background
The program is made possible by a federal pass-through grant
from SANDAG's Healthy Community Planning Grant Program.
SANDAG is a partner of the County of San Diego's Healthy and Human
Services Agency (HHSA), which received a $16.1 million grant from
the Communities Putting Prevention to Work funding program.
Cilantro to Stores is administered by the City of Chula Vista in
conjunction with the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative
facilitated by the Community Health Improvement Partners.
Additional funds are provided by the City of Chula Vista.
Other program partners include: the Network for a Healthy
California; HHSA South Region; the Institute for Public Strategies
(IPS); Neighborhood Market Association; Chula Vista Elementary
School District; Neighborhood Market Association; and San Diego
State University.
Store Partners
The four stores that are currently participating in the program
include:
- Broadway Liquor, 151 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Bobar Market & Gas #8, 600 F Street #A, Chula Vista,
CA 91910
- Sunset Market and Liquor, 985 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA
91911
- Eagle Liquor Market, 1296 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista,
CA 91911
Timeline
Fresh produce has been available at the stores since December
2011. During the months of July and August, a program
Advisory Committee assisted staff to select four stores in Western
Chula Vista based on their location and access, merchant's
willingness to participate in the program, business activity and
store infrastructure. In September and October, staff worked
with the store owners to identify the specific areas in their
stores and compatible equipment and furnishings to be placed in the
stores. In November, staff identified farmers to participate
in the program and developed a plan for distribution. Grant
funding will initially support the stores' efforts to sell produce
and the stores will continue the program for a minimum of one
year.
