In a move that may herald a new wave of retail health consciousness, Milwaukie's The Little Blue Store is ditching tobacco products in favor of fresh produce and nourishing cuisine. Funded by a $20,000 "healthy retail" grant from the Clackamas County Public Health Division, the store aims to offer more healthy food options, influenced by a model supported by the Oregon Health Authority.

The shift away from tobacco signifies a pivot towards supporting community wellbeing. According to details shared by Clackamas County, the project at The Little Blue Store is an innovative approach designed not just to change what's on the shelves, but also to influence healthier customer habits. The county is looking to expand efforts in creating environments where it's both easy and cost-effective to make healthier purchases.

Clackamas County Public Health Division Director Philip Mason-Joyner expressed optimism about the store’s transition, suggesting it could set an example for other retailers. "This pilot project is an exciting way to promote community health while also supporting small business development," Mason-Joyner told Clackamas County. "We hope it shows other stores that making changes like these is possible."

Co-owner of The Little Blue Store, Hagos Tekle, emphasized the store's commitment to the community's health. "We’re proud members of the community and we don’t want to see the health of our neighbors negatively impacted," Tekle explained to the county's news release. Aside from the monetary boost, the store will receive advice from Livelihood NW, which has been aiding The Little Blue Store since July to help invigorate under-served entrepreneurs within local communities.