Wichita’s neighborhoods are getting a fresh boost thanks to a city-funded, community-led effort managed by Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute.
Through the Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI), Wichita State’s Center for Public Health Initiatives works alongside small store owners, local growers and neighborhood organizations to expand access to affordable, healthy and culturally familiar foods in areas that need them most.
The City of Wichita launched the initiative using a $950,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant, selecting Wichita State through a competitive process to manage the program. CEI oversees the budget and helps stores add new produce and healthy items with the goal of improving food access and strengthening Wichita’s food economy.