Making the corner store a healthier place to shop

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The City of Springfield now has $10,000 to bring healthier food options to areas without nearby grocery stores.

The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation presented the money at a ceremony Thursday morning at the West Street Pride location.

The funds will pay for staff to partner with five stores and help them stock and promote healthier items like fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk, whole grains and healthy snacks.

It's all part of the Mass in Motion Initiative , which works with corner stores to increase the amount of healthy food choices