Turning corner stores into health hubs

Angela Shuman, a community health nurse with Penn State Health, plays a vital role in supporting residents of Reading, Pa., through monthly health check-ins at New Heightz Grocery Store. Her warm, personal approach — like hugging regulars and offering gentle reminders about medication — has built deep trust within the community. She provides free blood pressure screenings, health education and supplies like water bottles and first aid kits, helping community members manage chronic conditions while navigating caregiving responsibilities.

The Healthy Corner Store Initiative, a collaboration between Penn State Health and The Food Trust, brings together health services and nutrition education in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food. Area residents receive guidance on healthy eating, free samples, such as cheese sticks, and coupons for fresh produce. These efforts aim to improve health outcomes by making nutritious food more accessible and linking dietary habits to measurable health indicators including blood pressure and cholesterol.

For his part, store owner Moises Abreu enhances the initiative’s impact by offering free healthy lunches and fostering a welcoming environment. His store serves as a community hub where people connect and support one another. Together, Shuman, The Food Trust and Abreu address key social determinants of health — mental well-being, food security and physical health — through personalized care, education and community engagement, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout Reading.

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