Cook County DPH operates the WeCAN initiative and Healthy HotSpot program, partnering with corner stores in food-insecure suburbs to increase fresh produce access. The voluntary program offers technical assistance, signage, and refrigeration support; no countywide fast-food or formula restaurant ban exists.
The Cook County Department of Public Health runs the We Choose Health Cook (WeCAN) initiative and the Healthy HotSpot program, which partners with independent corner stores, restaurants, and worksites in food-insecure suburban Cook neighborhoods. Participating stores commit to stocking fresh fruits and vegetables, low-sugar drinks, and whole-grain options in exchange for technical assistance, point-of-sale signage, supplier referrals, and limited refrigeration support. The program targets municipalities like Chicago Heights, Maywood, and Robbins identified through the Cook County Healthy Communities Index as having limited supermarket access. Cook County imposes no countywide fast-food moratorium or formula restaurant overlay; participation is purely incentive-based. SNAP and WIC retailer status is encouraged but not required for inclusion.
Healthy HotSpot is a voluntary partnership with no penalties for non-participation. Stores accepting CCDPH-funded equipment grants must meet stocking commitments under their participation agreement, with potential equipment recovery and removal from the network for noncompliance.
See how Evanston's healthy food retail rules stack up against other locations.
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