Vallejo's B&J Liquor & Food part of Solano-wide ‘healthy stores makeover'

The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division on May 9 said B&J Liquor & Food in Vallejo is dropping the alcohol part of its name and is emphasizing healthful food, all part of a countywide store-makeover campaign.

The store is becoming B&J Market, as part of the VibeSolano healthy stores makeover initiative. This follows the grant-helped conversions of a Vallejo 7-Eleven store last year and of Bourbon House Beer, Wine and Spirits, set for next month, according to the Vallejo Times-Herald.

"I want it to be clear to my customers and my community that B&J will be a market where healthy food options are stocked, reliable and available," said Ravi Sandhu, owner of B&J Market. 'I look forward to smiling a little wider each time a local teen comes in and chooses fresh fruit because I'm helping to make this a healthier community.'

In an effort to increase access to healthy food selections, Solano County Public Health's VibeSolano initiative (www.VibeSolano.com) is leading this healthy store makeover, along with the community volunteer-based group Vallejo Together, Food Empowerment Project, and other community volunteers. The makeover will take place May 12.

It includes adding more fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks, creating a checkout area with these options prominently displayed, and adding health-promoting signs. The market will also offer promotional discounts on fresh produce and host food demonstrations to give patrons more options when it comes to eating healthier.

'Healthy store makeovers are just one of many actions we are taking to promote healthier living in Solano,' said Robin Cox, the department's senior health services manager. 'Having easy access to healthy options, especially at the checkout is essential to building a healthier and more vibrant community.'

The market is located at 1815 Sonoma Blvd. The name-change event is May 19, 2–5 p.m.

The B&J Market makeover is made possible by a Partnerships to Improve Community Health grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Solano Public Health.