Grant helps Mt. Prospect grocer offers healthier choices

Mi Mexico, 1760 W. Algonquin Road in Mount Prospect, unveiled a new look in the produce section at a ribbon-cutting event on Jan. 26.

Thanks to a grant from the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Healthy HotSpot Program for Suburban Cook County, Mi Mexico has new produce display tables and a freezer for frozen fruits and vegetables.

Mi Mexico introduced six new healthy food items to the store’s inventory. Healthy foods include: fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats and proteins, whole grain breads and pastas, and canned or frozen fruits or vegetables.

The changes to the store’s layout and equipment are meant to better display wholesome food and to assist shoppers in making informed decisions. Mi Mexico also is providing healthy snacks at local events.

Francisco Perez, owner of Mi Mexico, has operated the business for 20 years with his wife. He said adding the food items was easy because his suppliers offered healthy options. He also found that the healthy foods sold well.

“Customers have been more interested in healthy items and have been demanding them,” said Perez.

The store is one of 20 in eight communities receiving help through the Healthy HotSpot program.

The purpose of CPPW is to promote active lifestyles and access to healthy foods through a wide variety of programs. The store received the first payment of $250 after making the initial changes and will receive the second $250 after maintaining them for six months.

CPPW is a venture led through the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago. The $16 million in funding for the program is through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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