YOUR INVOLVEMENT
IS KEY
The Bronx has the highest
burden of obesity in New
York City. Morbidity and
mortality from obesityrelated conditions is also
higher in the Bronx as compared to the rest of New
York City. Access to affordable and healthy foods is an
often-cited barrier in the
adoption of a healthy diet,
which may reduce the burden of obesity.
In July 2015, Montefiore’s
Office of Community and
Population Health launched
the Montefiore Healthy
Store Initiative. The goal of
the program is to increase
access to healthy and
affordable foods in Bronxbased bodegas. Support for
this project is provided
through a Centers for Disease Control grant awarded
to the Bronx Community
Health Network’s Bronx
REACH CHAMPS Coalition.
Gold Grill Deli Grocery
makes waves as “Healthy
Bodega” in the Bronx
SUMMARY
On nearly every corner in the Bronx, you can find a bodega. They are an
important source of food and beverages for many Bronx residents, as there
are a lack of full-service grocery stores. Seeing the importance of bodegas
in many communities, Patricia Tejeda, a frequent bodega patron, wanted
to have her own store, but wanted to set herself apart from other bodegas.
Patricia wanted to offer her customers healthier options as she knew that
there were many people living in her community who struggled with obesity and related issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Patricia bought a
bodega on the corner of Pearsall and Gun Hill Road in the Eastchester section of the Bronx named “Gold Grill Deli Grocery.” The area had a number
of stores and fast food restaurants selling less healthy food and Patricia
wanted her customers to not only have their everyday items, but healthier
versions of those items. Patricia knew that in order for her to meet her
goal that she needed to identify the healthier options customers would
purchase while ensuring the profitability and sustainability of her business.
CHALLENGES
As a new business owner, Patricia faced numerous obstacles. At times,
these obstacles made her feel as if her efforts were not making a difference. The major obstacles requiring her attention included: Obtaining the
appropriate licenses and fixing and replacing broken equipment; along
with some minor changes such as improving the store lighting, getting
rid of expired food, and improving the placement and storage of perishable foods.
After working to overcome these challenges, Patricia shifted her attention to the next piece of the puzzle — increasing the availability of
healthier food and beverage options at her store and offering them at
reasonable prices.
Gold Grill Deli Grocery makes waves as “Healthy Bodega”
Page 2
SOLUTION
Patricia was very motivated to sell healthier foods, but was not sure how to start.
Partnering with the Montefiore Office of Community & Population Health (OCPH)
Healthy Store Initiative Program, which was supported by the Bronx Community
Health Network’s (BCHN) Bronx REACH CHAMPS Initiative, Patricia was able to brainstorm ideas with the MHSI staff and receive technical assistance on how best to incorporate healthy foods and beverages.
MHSI staff connected Patricia to Jetro, a major wholesaler selling food to many bodega owners, where she could identify healthier options. In addition, MHSI purchased
some healthy snack items for Gold Grill to see how the customers would respond to
these options. Patricia was given baskets for her store to make the produce more
attractive and to increase shelf life, as compared to storing produce in cardboard
boxes.
RESULTS
In May 2016, Gold Grill was presented with a Proclamation from the Bronx CAN
(Change Attitudes Now) Health Initiative, spearheaded by the Bronx Borough President’s Office, indicating that she had made a number of improvements to her store
outlined by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, including:

Moving fruits & vegetables to checkout or front of the store

Placing water and low calorie beverages at eye-level in refrigerators

Posting marketing materials for healthy foods

Stocking low-sodium canned beans/vegetables

Stocking canned fruit in 100% juice or water

Stocking at least 2 healthy snacks, and

Removing ads for tobacco and alcoholic products from the front door.
Patricia received lots of positive feedback about providing healthier options. While
the changes may seem quite modest, Patricia is confident that small changes can
have a beneficial impact on improving the health of the community.
“I'm so excited—-I can help people get healthy food!”
- Patricia Tejeda, owner of Gold Grill
SUSTAINING SUCCESS
For the exemplary work Patricia of Gold Grill has been doing, she received the Bronx
CAN Proclamation from the Bronx Borough President’s Office. Patricia stated "I'm so
excited—I can help people get healthy food!" MHSI continues to offer Patricia technical support for her store, connections with community-based and faith-based organizations in her area, and also connecting her to other resources as needed for
sustainability. MHSI staff visits Patricia’s store at least once or twice per week and as
requested by owner.