KIESTER — A Statewide Health Improvement Program grant is making healthy eating an easier choice in this small community in Faribault County.

The $5,000 grant will provide funds for Kiester’s new food cooperative, the Kiester Market, and its restaurant, the Kee Kafe, to promote their fresh, healthy food options. The grant supports bringing in registered dietitians to educate community members and to encourage healthy choices.

“People seem excited about it,” said Carl Soma, Faribault County coordinator for the Southern Tri-County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, who is involved with administering the grant.

SHIP, first signed into law in 2008, seeks to reduce heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases related to insufficient physical activity, poor nutrition and commercial tobacco use.

A news release stated since its opening in February, the Kiester Market has made healthy shopping easier because residents no longer have to leave town for fresh groceries.

The store does not sell tobacco products and features a larger fresh produce selection than when it was Jamboree Foods. Jim Durfee, the store’s manager, has plans for a farmers market and might demonstrate grilling this summer, the release stated.

Michele and Jerry Alphs, owners of the Kee Kafe, are making plans to offer new healthy options, along with some of their old favorites, when the restaurant opens its doors again in a few weeks. The restaurant was damaged by fire last fall.

The Alphs will provide nutritional information to patrons, and eventually hope to offer a senior lunch option, to fill in for the closure of a Bricelyn nutrition site last summer.

“Nutrition education is important for everyone, but good nutrition can be costly, especially for seniors on limited incomes,” said Kiester Mayor Jeanne Brooks. “Having groceries in town again is great, and having meal options at the Kee Kafe will be a good meeting place and still meet nutritional guidelines for seniors.”

Soma said the market and restaurant have 1 1/2 years to use the grant.