Building a Healthier Wichita Together: How RRCBA Can Make an Impact

Bryce Graham
Jan 6
2 min read

At the Richard Robinson Community Benefit Association (RRCBA), we’re always looking for ways to uplift and empower our community. That’s why we’re excited to explore how our efforts can align with the Healthy Corner Store Initiative (HCSI) to bring better food options to our neighborhoods. By focusing on the collective power of our coalition, we can make a real difference. Let’s dive into how RRCBA and other local Black organizations can contribute to this transformative initiative.

RRCBA: Advocacy and Action

As a community-focused organization, RRCBA can amplify the impact of the Healthy Corner Store Initiative in several ways:

Advocacy for Policy Change: Let’s push for city policies that support this initiative, like tax incentives for corner stores that stock fresh produce. Together, we can ensure these efforts are sustained and impactful.
Community Workshops: By hosting workshops, we can teach families how to cook nutritious meals on a budget, highlight the importance of healthy eating, and showcase how this initiative benefits our neighborhoods.
Collaborating with Local Organizations: Partnering with other Black-led organizations can strengthen this initiative. For example, faith-based groups, local nonprofits, or community centers can serve as hubs for education and outreach, making healthy food accessible to more families.

Collaborative Events: Strength in Numbers

Here’s where it all comes together. Imagine hosting a community health fair featuring:

Cooking demonstrations with produce from a participating corner store.
Informational booths about the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, led by RRCBA members and partners.
Discussions on how to build healthier habits, led by local health advocates.

These events could be a game-changer for raising awareness and getting more people involved.

Learning from Others: Success Stories

Other cities have already proven that this kind of initiative works. For example:

Philadelphia’s Healthy Corner Store Initiative trained store owners, provided resources, and improved food access in underserved areas.
Tulsa’s Healthy Community Store Initiative launched a mobile grocery store to serve food deserts, creating new opportunities for community growth.

These success stories inspire us to think big and act boldly.

How You Can Help

This isn’t just about RRCBA—it’s about all of us. Here’s how you can join the movement:

Support local corner stores participating in the Healthy Corner Store Initiative.
Volunteer to help with community events or workshops.
Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of healthy eating.

Together, We Can Create Lasting Change

By working together, RRCBA and our coalition of community partners can make the Healthy Corner Store Initiative a cornerstone of our community. Let’s build a healthier, stronger Wichita—one fresh fruit, one community workshop, and one policy change at a time. Are you in?

Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know how you’d like to get involved. Together, we’ve got this!