ALBANY - The Albany County Department of Health has been recognized by peers on a national stage for its Healthy Convenience Store Initiative. It's one of 39 public health programs developed by a local health department selected to receive the National Association of County and City Health Officials Model Practice Award.

HCSI, a partnership of the Albany County Strategic Alliance for Health and the Capital District Community Gardens (CDCG), provides the community in the City of Albany with sustainable healthy and affordable food options in convenient neighborhood stores. Local stores get fresh produce from HCSI at the wholesale price to stock in a customized display. "Through in-store displays, site-specific marketing, and twice-weekly stocking and rotation of produce, HCSI is increasing the availability of local, culturally appropriate produce, thereby making it easier for families to include fruits and vegetables in their diets," said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. "The numbers are impressive. As of April, HCSI has sold 16,945 pounds of fresh produce this year."

Participating convenience store locations (all are in Albany) include:

• Ida Yarbrough Convenient Store (106 Ontario Street)
• Midway Retail Food Market (57 Central Avenue)
• Nas Deli and Grocery (58 Morton Avenue)
• SPI Instamart (699 North Pearl Street)
• The Corner Store (106 Ontario Street)
• The Corner Store (153 South Pearl Street)

"We are proud to receive NACCHO's Model Practice Award. The award is evidence of our commitment to developing responsive and innovative public health programs that improve the health of local residents," said James B. Crucetti, MD, MPH, Albany County Commissioner of Health.