SNAPwise NYC

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What is a "Known Healthy" store?

Bodegas & Grocery Stores Receiving Recognition from Borough President's Office
Each year, bodegas and grocery stores located in and around Action Center catchment areas participate in the Shop Healthy NYC program's Retail Challenge to increase (1) availability of healthier foods, such as low-sodium canned goods, healthier snacks and deli options; (2) promotion of healthier foods by posting Shop Healthy marketing materials for healthier foods and removing unhealthy advertising from the front door; and (3) visibility of healthier foods by placing them in more prominent locations, such as placing produce at the checkout counter or near the front entrance of the store, and water and other low-calorie drinks at eye-level. Stores that have implemented all of the program's criteria at the conclusion of the Retail Challenge, and maintain them for at least one month, receive a recognition award from the Borough President's Office to acknowledge their efforts and dedication to make the healthy choice, the easier choice for their communities.

This is a manually compiled list of stores, which is based on data collected through implementation checklists; these are forms completed by Shop Healthy staff as part of store observations that track whether each criteria has been met. At this time, the program does not have processes in place to ensure that stores maintain the changes past one-month.

Daily targets

Calories

Protein (g)

Log a meal

Today

Weight Loss

Protein first:Aim for a protein source every meal (eggs, tuna, beans, yogurt) to stay full longer.

Volume foods:Load half the plate with high‑fiber, low‑cal veggies (frozen is great and cheap).

Drink swap:Replace sugary drinks with water or seltzer; save 150–300 calories per bottle.

Smart snacks:Keep fruit, nuts (small handful), or yogurt; avoid chips near the checkout trap.

Plate timing:Eat slow; a 10–15 minute pause helps your brain register fullness.

Simple breakfasts:Oats + peanut butter + banana, or eggs + beans + salsa.

Affordable Proteins

Eggs:Versatile, cheap, 6–7g protein each. Boil a dozen for grab‑and‑go.

Canned tuna/chicken:$1–2 a can; mix with beans or greens.

Beans & lentils:Dry or canned; fiber + protein for pennies per serving.

Greek yogurt:Large tubs are best value; add fruit/oats for snacks.

Peanut butter:2 tbsp ≈ 7–8g protein; pair with oats, toast, apples.

Quick Meals (5–10 minutes)

Tuna wrap:Tuna + light mayo + salsa + lettuce in tortilla.

Egg stir‑up:Scramble eggs with frozen veg; finish with soy or salsa.

Bean bowl:Rice + black beans + corn + salsa + yogurt.

Microwave oats:Oats + water + PB + banana in 2–3 minutes.

Yogurt parfait:Greek yogurt + fruit + oats; add cinnamon.

Healthy Shopping

Shop a list:Write 5–10 items and stick to them.

Unit price:Compare price per oz/lb; bigger isn't always cheaper.

Frozen produce:Often cheaper, less waste, same nutrients.

Store brands:Choose generic for rice, pasta, milk, spices.

Seasonal buys:In‑season fruit/veg are cheaper and taste better.

Meal Prep & Leftovers

Cook once, eat twice:Double rice/beans/chicken for the week.

Base + toppings:Prep rice and rotate proteins/sauces daily.

Freeze extras:Soup, chili, cooked meat freeze well; label dates.

Leftover refresh:Add eggs/tortilla to transform last night's meal.

Snack boxes:Portion nuts, fruit, yogurt for grab‑and‑go.

Diabetes‑Friendly

Plate method:Half veg, quarter protein, quarter starch.

Fiber first:Beans, oats, apples help slow sugar spikes.

Smart drinks:Water, seltzer, unsweet tea; avoid sugary beverages.

Pair carbs:Apples + PB, crackers + tuna, yogurt + oats.

Portions:Measure rice/pasta at first to learn serving sizes.

Low‑Sodium Swaps

Rinse beans:Cuts sodium by ~30–40%.

Low‑sodium picks:Broth, beans, canned veg when possible.

Flavor without salt:Garlic, onion, chili, vinegar, lemon, herbs.

Watch sauces:Soy, BBQ, dressings add up; use lightly.

Frozen veg:Usually no salt added; quick and healthy.

Vegetarian on a Budget

Protein trio:Beans, lentils, eggs cover protein cheaply.

Meatless chili:Beans + tomatoes + corn + spices.

Tofu basics:Pan‑sear with soy/garlic; add frozen veg and rice.

PB oatmeal:Protein + fiber breakfast for cents/serving.

Frozen mixes:Pre‑cut stir‑fry blends save time and money.

Microwave & No‑Cook

Mug omelet:Eggs + veg + cheese; 90 seconds.

Bean quesadilla:Tortilla + beans + cheese; pan or microwave.

No‑cook wraps:Hummus + veg + leftover meat.

Overnight oats:Oats + milk + PB + banana in a jar.

Ready rice + tuna:Microwave rice, mix with tuna and salsa.

Kids & Family

Build‑your‑own:Taco bowls with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, veg.

Snack swaps:Fruit + yogurt instead of cookies; popcorn over chips.

Helper jobs:Let kids wash veg, stir, or portion snacks.

Color game:Aim for 3 colors on the plate each meal.

Water first:Drink water before juice or soda.

Food Safety & Storage

FIFO:First in, first out—use older items first.

Label leftovers:Date containers; 3–4 days in the fridge.

Safe thaw:Fridge or cold water bath, not the counter.

Cool fast:Store hot foods in shallow containers.

Reheat hot:Warm leftovers to steaming (≥165°F/74°C).

SNAP & Pantry Tips

Staples first:Beans, rice, oats, eggs, frozen veg stretch budgets.

Pantry nights:Plan 1–2 "pantry meals" weekly to use what you have.

Bulk smart:Only buy bulk if you can store it and will use it.

Local pantries:Ask for produce/meat days; arrive early.

Double‑duty foods:Buy items that work across breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Spending Less on Food

Unit price:Compare price per ounce; bigger isn't always cheaper on brand-name bundles.

Staples:Oats, rice, beans, eggs, frozen veg, canned fish stretch meals for less.

Plan 3 meals:Rotate 2–3 cheap, filling meals each week to cut impulse buys.

Store brands:Buy generic for basics (rice, pasta, milk, spices) with similar quality.

Leftovers plan:Cook once, eat twice. Make extra rice/beans to reuse all week.

Freezer friend:Freeze bread, meats, and leftovers to avoid waste.

Manipulative Sales Tactics

Bundle trap:Value meals add sides/soda you didn't want. Order items separately.

Eye-level tricks:High‑calorie snacks live at eye level. Scan lower shelves for better options.

BOGO bait:"Buy one get one" doubles spend and calories; only buy if you needed one.

Limited time:"Today only" signs push urgency. Pause and check your list first.

Checkout gauntlet:Avoid the candy rack by using self‑checkout when possible.

Fancy packaging:"Protein," "keto," or "natural" labels don't guarantee healthy.

Common Misconceptions

"Healthy is expensive":Frozen veg, eggs, beans, and oats are low‑cost nutrient staples.

"Salads are always healthy":Dressings/toppings can double calories; choose light dressing, protein.

"Carbs are bad":Whole grains and beans help fullness and budget; watch portions, not all carbs.

"Snacking ruins progress":Planned high‑protein snacks can prevent overeating later.

"All fast food is bad":Grilled chicken, small chili, baked potato, or side salads can work.

"You need supplements":Food first; only add vitamins if a clinician recommends.