Discover Healthy Eating: Lit’l Mac Food Store Teams Up with TNP for Delicious, Nutritious Choices!

WARREN — Recently, the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership teamed up with Lit’l Mac Food Store to host a lively community event aimed at promoting healthy eating. Held at 1763 Parkman Road NW, the event featured cooking demonstrations, live music from DJ Christopher F, and delicious food prepared by the store’s owner, Mike Aleker, and his family.

For seven years, TNP’s Healthy Community Store Initiative has been helping local stores bridge the gap in food deserts—areas where grocery stores are scarce. In Warren, many neighborhoods have limited access to fresh produce. Stores like Lit’l Mac are stepping up to fill that void.

Lydia Lynch, TNP’s health and wellness coordinator, shared, “When corner stores offer healthier options, it builds strong community bonds.” Lit’l Mac is redefining the corner store image by becoming a reliable source of fresh food.

The event showcased fresh fruits and veggies from White House Fruit Farm, including strawberries and tomatoes. Aleker emphasized the importance of offering healthy snacks. “We want kids to try bananas and fresh produce,” he said.

TNP supports stores like Lit’l Mac by funding initial produce purchases and providing refrigeration solutions. The aim is for these stores to become self-sufficient, with community demand guiding their sales. Right now, several stores in the program, like Gas Smart and Smart Mart, consistently offer fresh produce.

Residents like Kathleen Baugh have felt the impact of living in a food desert. After the Parkman Road Sparkle Market closed, Baugh now travels farther for groceries. “It’s tough without local options,” she said, highlighting the struggles for those without cars.

Councilwoman Helen Rucker praised the event for addressing grocery access issues, especially as local bus services have ended. “These owners actively engage with the community,” she noted.

The Warren City Health District also participated, bringing their Wellness on Wheels truck to emphasize health and community connection. During the cooking demonstration, attendees learned to prepare simple dishes like roasted corn and peppers. “Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated,” Lynch said. “We want to make it simple and accessible.”

This initiative reflects a broader trend across the U.S. where communities are taking charge of their food systems. According to a recent study by the Food Trust, areas with improved access to fresh produce saw a 15% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption among residents. Local efforts not only enhance nutrition but also strengthen community ties, making a vibrant impact on overall well-being.

By creating these fresh food opportunities, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership is not just improving diets—it’s fostering resilience in the community.

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Local News,Lit’l Mac Food Store partners with TNP to promote healthy eating