Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans, alongside City Council members and local store owners, announced the launch of the City's Healthy ROC Grocer program at City Hall. The program aims to promote and increase awareness of small grocers offering nutritious foods in city neighborhoods. Mayor Evans expressed his pride in the small grocers who provide healthier food choices to their communities, stating, "We have identified a number of small shops that are supporting their communities with quality foods and sometimes hard-to-find ethnic options."

One of the participating grocers, Shannon and Kevin Rowe, owners of Empire Meats, shared their excitement about being part of the program. Shannon Rowe expressed their commitment to providing healthy and delicious options for their customers, saying, "We do everything we can to serve our customers healthy delicious options for any meal. When you’re in any of our stores, you’re in our home."

Currently, there are 24 grocers involved in the Healthy ROC Grocer program. Stores interested in participating must pass an evaluation of their healthier food options, have no violations, and commit to using the free point-of-sale items provided by the city only for displays of nutritious foods. The City will continue to accept stores on an ongoing basis.

For a list of stores involved in the program, individuals can visit www.cityofrochester.gov/healthyrocgrocer. Grocers in the city of Rochester interested in joining the program can learn more at www.cityofrochester.gov/grocer.

The initiative reflects the City of Rochester's commitment to creating a safe, equitable, and prosperous community by providing access to healthy food options for all residents. The City's mission, vision, and values, along with the principles of the "Rochester2034" comprehensive plan, guide the Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans in fostering a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional, and generational growth for all who reside in Rochester.