• Tell us more about the store(s), location, and mission/history in the community. 
    Located in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, C-Town has been a family-owned independent grocer operating since 1996. This store has long been a pillar of the community, catering to the diverse ethnic groups that make up the local population. Serving primarily Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Peruvian communities, the store provides authentic ingredients that connect families to their cultural roots. Its mission goes beyond selling groceries. It contributes to the close-knit hardworking neighborhood it serves by making people feel at home.

  • How did the store learn about nutrition incentive programs, and what attracted them to the opportunity? 
    Their wholesaler, Krasdale Foods, connected store leadership with Madelyn Tannous of Hackensack Meridian Healthcare Network, a grantee organization working in their area. Fresh Match, focused on supporting SNAP shoppers in accessing fresh, healthy produce. This aligned perfectly with the store’s mission and customer base, a significant portion of which shop with SNAP benefits. Their customers were seeking affordable, fresh ingredients that weren’t easily available at nearby stores. Fresh Match, the nutrition incentive program, made it possible to meet their needs and save them money at the same time.

  • How does the program work at the store? 
    C-Town’s POS support provider, STCR, was well versed in nutrition incentive programs and ready to help. They have had experience successfully launching the Fresh Match program in other stores they service. STCR leveraged a built-in, existing loyalty program to run the incentive program. Eligible SNAP customers are encouraged to sign up for the loyalty program and create a unique account. The LOC/SMS POS system then automatically records qualifying items purchased at the time of check out, and then the SNAP shopper receives a dollar-for-dollar match for fresh fruits and vegetables. This value is loaded to their loyalty account for future visits.

  • What impact have you noticed for customers? 
    Customers have expressed a great deal of satisfaction and enthusiasm for the program. The extra funds have made it possible for them to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables, which were previously out of reach for many. This access to healthier food has had a positive effect on the community, and customers return regularly, knowing they can stretch their food budget further while getting the quality products they need. Word-of-mouth has also been crucial in the success of the program as is often the case with community stores serving a tight-knit customer base.

  • What impact have you noticed on your business? 
    The program has positively impacted the store’s bottom line, with sales increasing by approximately 3-4%. The loyalty generated by the program has contributed to a steady flow of returning customers, reinforcing the store’s commitment to supporting the community’s needs. This growth has benefited both the business and the customers it serves.

  • Who is the champion for the program at the store, and what is their role? 
    Anthony Diaz, owner and operator of the store has also served as the program champion. His leadership has been essential in launching and sustaining the initiative. However, the success of the program is also due to the dedication of the cashiers and grocery managers, who work on the frontlines to inform customers about the program. Their engagement and the strong sense of community have been key to the program’s success, as word of mouth plays a significant role in reaching more customers.

  • What advice would you have for other retailers looking to start a nutrition incentive program? 
    Retailers looking to launch a nutrition incentive program should focus on getting their team involved early, especially the cashiers, as they have direct contact with customers. Ensuring that everyone is well-informed about the program is crucial to its success. Patience is also important during the initial stages—though it may take time to gain momentum, once the program is up and running, the benefits will be significant for both the business and the community.