Shopwell is a part of the bigger ‘Eatwell in Sandwell’ work run by Sandwell Primary care Trust. The scheme aims to make it easier for local people to find healthier food in their local shop. Support is offered to shops in Sandwell that want to stock more fresh fruit and vegetables. Together with Slimwell, Cookwell and activities in schools, the PCT’s Food Policy team are working to help people get their hands on the tastiest fresh produce and to share ideas on the best way to cook and enjoy it.

This month sees the crowning of the first ‘Shop of the Month’ competition winner, namely City Road Supermarket, 85-89 City Road, Grace Mary Tividale, Oldbury.

Food Development Worker with the PCT, Emma Price, explained: “Shop manager Kuljit Samrai, has taken this month’s prize of £100 voucher (to use at the food wholesaler Hyperama), because he has embraced every aspect of Shopwell. They met the basic requirements and worked cooperatively with us and got involved in running tasters, displaying recipes and price promotions.”

Angela Blair (Food Access Manager) said: “We are pleased that this shop wants to work with us. We want as many people as possible to be able to get good quality, affordable fresh fruit and vegetables in their local shop, as this really backs up the other work we are doing in the neighbourhood.”

Kuljit said: “It has been good for us to focus on the fruit and vegetables. This estate is really hilly, so people have to carry heavy shopping bags back home. We know we have a long way to go but if we know what people want, we’ll get it.  We have 50 stylish ‘Eatwell in Sandwell’ cloth shopping bags that are free to the first 50 customers that buy fresh fruit and vegetables in City Road Supermarket.”

To find out more about the range of schemes run by PCT, which include Cookwell, Slimwell, Ready Steady Grow, activities in schools, Community Food Adviser training and  Community Cafes call the food team on 0121 612 2962 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it