In their brief titled “Fresh Produce Access through Corner Store Transformation,” the authors explore how neighborhood grocery deserts—exacerbated by recent closures of full‐service supermarkets in both West and East Oakland—are reshaping food access for local residents. The article highlights a promising strategy: partnering with small corner stores to stock and promote fresh fruits and vegetables. By supporting infrastructure, guidance, and financial incentives, these corner stores can evolve into accessible sources of nutritious food, filling critical gaps in underserved communities. The authors outline challenges—such as refrigerated display costs and supply chain logistics—as well as promising examples and policy levers that can help such transformations take root.

Alexa Erickson, Community Nutrition, Health and Food Systems Advisor for Cooperative Extension in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and Victoria Garcia of UC Berkeley's School of Public Health co-authored the paper with staff of the Saba Grocers Initiative. The paper highlights both the urgency and the potential of this approach. Collaborative action, policy support, and hands-on guidance can help turn small stores into health-promoting community hubs.

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