Healthy Retail Ordinance

Richmond, a city facing food apartheid with only 3 full-service grocers, unhealthy food and beverages are promoted repeatedly throughout stores. Snacks high in salt, saturated fat, and added sugars dominate checkout aisles, which are designed to prompt impulse purchases. Such curated food environments in largely low-income communities of color have been shown to contribute to health issues such as dental cavities, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Over the past two years, HOPS youth advocates assessed the food retail landscape and heard from residents. HOPS youth advocates have presented to the City Council their findings and policy options. City Council has directed staff to draft an ordinance for Healthy Retail.

Richmond can implement Healthy Checkout to promote and support the health of all residents!