By Balgit Keur
Special to the Herald

Healthier options at Bob’s Food and Liquor are marked with a “Good Choice” symbol. (Photo by Elizabeth Warnimont)

When I first came to the United States, I barely spoke a word of English. Now, decades later, I own three convenience stores in Solano County. I could not have achieved this huge accomplishment without the support of my community. As a store owner, I am meeting and talking with Solano residents every day. I know my neighbors and I am close with my customers. These relationships are important to me.
When I started my stores, I saw it as an opportunity to provide for the community. I was giving them a place to easily buy items. As my businesses thrived, so did my connections with the customers. I started to see that my store was stocked mostly with foods and drinks that were not healthy for my customers. I knew I would not be able to get rid of these products, but I also knew something had to be done.
That was why I was very excited to be the first store in Solano County to participate in the Healthy Stores for a Heathy Community Store Makeover project. I was asked if I would be willing to add healthy foods and drinks, and change some of the signage in Bob’s Food and Liquor in Benicia. We now have racks with granola bars, fresh fruit and more drinks with less or no sugar. These additions were made to increase access to healthier options.
Before I agreed to participate, I asked my customers what they thought of this project. I wanted to be sure that this addition would be well received. Time and time again, I found that everyone I asked, no matter their age, said that they welcomed the idea of adding more healthy choices to the mix.
I agreed to do this makeover because my customers wanted it, and because I knew that adding more healthy options to the mix would benefit them. We need to have choices when we shop, especially for children and families looking to add more nutritious items to their meals.
The store makeover, which happened in May, improved my store in numerous ways. The makeover team included volunteers and staff from Solano Public Health’s Vibe Solano initiative and the Benicia Police Department. The group worked tirelessly to get the store made over in a day, and helped host a well-attended community celebration later that week. The team removed old stickers promoting liquor and cigarettes, and added “Good Choice” posters and racks, a campaign that is promoting health by supporting the customer to take action.
I was so thrilled by the experience; it really felt like the community was coming together. Plus, I am already seeing the benefits pay off. I have increased the amount of healthy options I stock from 10 products to over 40 products. My customers love the new changes and the store almost looks brand new. This store makeover has been such a success. I look forward to seeing how Vibe Solano and Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community continue to engage other stores across the area.

Balgit Keur is a local convenience store owner who resides in Benicia. For more information visit VibeSolano.com. The store makeover was funded in part by the Tobacco Prevention & Education Program under Proposition 99 and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as by generous volunteer donations.

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