B.C. convenience stores support Healthy Families BC
Convenience stores and gas bars across British Columbia – from Mac’s to 7-Elevens to independents – are partnering with the Province to help make the healthier choice the easy choice.
The Healthy Convenience Store initiative is a collaboration between the Province and the Western Convenience Store Association (WCSA).
Participating stores will post nutrition information at the point of purchase for their ready-to-eat, unpackaged foods – such as nachos, sandwiches and pizza.
They also commit to dedicating increased floor and shelf space for designated healthy food and beverage options for consumers.
Stores that meet these criteria will receive a healthy convenience store designation from the association.
British Columbia will be the first jurisdiction in the country to implement a program of this kind.
While the program is completely voluntary, both the Mac’s and 7-Elevens convenience store chains have committed to participate, as well as a wide variety of other chains and independent stores and gas bars, including Winks Plus, Fas Gas Plus, PetroCanada, Husky, Mohawk, and Mid Island Co-ops. Together, Mac’s and 7-Elevens represent over 400 stores provincewide.
Right now about half of British Columbians are overweight or obese; half are not getting enough physical activity; 15 per cent smoke; and virtually all British Columbians eat more than double the amount of sodium recommended for good health.
Through Healthy Families BC, the Province is working to combat these trends, and prevent or delay chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
