Santa Clara County Public Health Rules: Healthy Food Retail Rules (2026)

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department operates the Healthy Stores program through its Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention division, funded by California Department of Public Health Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention grants. Participating corner stores in priority neighborhoods, including East San Jose, Alum Rock, and unincorporated South County, receive free refrigeration upgrades, point-of-sale signage promoting fruits and vegetables, and staff training on stocking healthy SNAP-eligible items. Stores commit to maintaining at least four fresh produce options, three water choices, and reduced-sugar beverage placement at eye level for at least one year. The program is voluntary and unrelated to permitting; non-participating stores face no penalty unless they violate California Retail Food Code or DEH licensing rules.