Cheltenham ShopRite: Good health made easier [Philadelphia Tribune]

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Political and community leaders turned out to mark the ... of the renovated ... ShopRite of Cheltelham.

The newly renovated ...-square foot store was unveiled Wednesday morning, and feitures expanded offerings such as an International Market and a new seafood department.

"We went to great lengths to offer optons to help people live a healther life," said Jeff Brown, president and CEO, Brown's SuperScores, Inc. "Between produce, seafood and fish, poultry and meat, dairy and deli, we have 1,000 fresh items in this store that celebrate the heritage of our customers."

The $12 million renovation project was financed by a combination of $5.5 million in state money and $6.5 million in private funding. The store, located at 2385 Cheltenham Avenue, employs 32 people.

The project is a part of first lady Michele Obama's national effort to increase healthy food ... to millions of underserved people across the nation.

In July, ... joined the Partnership for a Healthier America in announcing commitments from Brown's Super Stores, SUPERVALU, Walgreens, Walmart, California FreshWorksFund, Calhoun's Grocer, and Klein's Family Markets to ... and open more than ... stores over the next five year to serve approximately ... million consumers.

"Jeff is ... us that we can make ... in areas that really ... profitable, profitable for ... businesses -creating ... jobs, serving healthier ... for the community - ... want to do this all around the country," said Larry Soler, President and CEO, the Partnership For a Healthier America.

The ... House has recognized ... Super Stores for its efforts in serving urban communities who lack affordable, healthy food.

"The ... lady has really laid out a ... for this nation -and it's a ... that calls upon all of us ... back and think about ... are we impacting the ... and well-being of our ... children - and what ... can we make to help improve their health," said Sam Kass, White House senior policy advisor.

"Make no mistake, the future of our country is really at risk. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) predicts that one in three children born today will have diabetes in their lifetime. When you step back and understand the consequences of tliis - they're devastating."

A plaque bearing the name and likeness of state Rep. Dwight Evans was unveiled during the celebratory event. Evans was hailed for his work in developing the Fresh Food Financing Initiative. The grant and loan program which encourages supermarket development in underserved neighborhoods is regarded as a national model.

The FFFI was launched when Brown's SuperStores opened a ShopRite store on Island Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.

"I want to be very clear. This is not about me, this is not about the Browns and this is not about elected officials. It's about the customers. It's about the taxpayers. It's about the people," said Evans.

"The Browns and the elected officials are no more than conduits to what people deserve - and you deserve the best."

The ShopRite is also now home to the new Einstein FastCare health clinic. Led by nurse practitioners from the Einstein Healthcare Network the clinic provides convenient and affordable basic and preventative health care. The walk-in clinic offers treatment for sore throats, earaches, sinus infections, flu or cold symptoms and urinary tract infections. A clinic visit costs $57 and most insurances are accepted.

"We have a convenient care clinic, which we know will be of great service to the community - but we also believe this will provide screenings, health education and will serve as a point of access to people in connecting them to primary care providers," said Mary Beth Kingston, Chief Nurse Executive, Einstein Healthcare Network.

The clinic also houses a benefit bank office. Through this office, consumers can tap into SNAP (Supplement Nutrition Access Program), Medicaid, CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and other benefits.

The clinic was developed in partnership with UpLift Solutions and Bellin Health in collaboration with the Convenient Care Association. During the event, Brown noted that he was willing to work with other supermarket retailers who are interested in launching similar clinics.

Founded in 1988, Brown's Super Stores is a family-owned and operated supermarket chain of 10 Philadelphia area ShopRite supermarkets. Brown founded Uplift Solutions in 2009, which has pioneered efforts to eliminate areas lacking access to fresh and affordable food.

A ribbon cutting for the newly renovated ShopRite of Cheltenham and the FastCare Clinic was held Wednesday. (From left) Josh and Scott, sons of Jeff Brown, president and CEO, Brown's Super Stores; state Rep. Dwight Evans; Mayor Michael Nutter; state Rep. Cherelle Parker, Councilwoman Marion Tasco; Rev. Cherylynne Smith of Enon Baptist Church and Councilwoman-elect Cindy Bass. - ABDUL R. SULAYMAN/TRIBUNE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lise Neri, Family Nurse Practitioner for the new FastCare Clinic located in the ShopRite of Cheltenham. -ABDUL R. SULAYMAN/TRIBUNE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ayana Jones

Tribune Staff Writer

Contact Tribune staff writer Ayana Jones at (215) 893-5747 or ajones@phillytrib.com.