scholarly journals Assessment of the nutrition environment in rural counties in the Deep South

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Shikany ◽  
Tiffany L. Carson ◽  
Claudia M. Hardy ◽  
Yufeng Li ◽  
Samara Sterling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Subscale Score ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Deep South ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Rural Counties ◽  
Dietary Choices

AbstractThe nutrition environment, including food store type, may influence dietary choices, which in turn can affect risk of obesity and related chronic diseases such as CHD, diabetes and cancer. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the extent to which healthy foods are available and affordable in various rural food outlets. A subset of the nutrition environment was assessed using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS-S). The NEMS-S instrument assessed the availability and price of healthy foods (e.g. low-fat/non-fat milk, lean meats and reduced-fat dinner entrées) compared with less healthy counterparts (e.g. whole milk, non-lean meats and regular dinner entrées). The NEMS-S also assessed the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables. Availability, prices and quality of healthy foods were compared between grocery stores (n 24) and convenience stores (n 67) in nine rural counties in Alabama. Mean availability subscale score (possible range 0 to 30; higher score indicates a greater number of healthier foods were available) for grocery stores was 22·6 (sd 8·1), compared with 6·6 (sd 5·2) in convenience stores (P < 0·0001); and mean price subscale score (possible range −9 to 18; higher score indicates that healthier options were less expensive than the less healthy options) for grocery stores was 2·4 (sd 2·7), compared with 0·7 (sd 1·2) in convenience stores (P = 0·0080). Mean total NEMS-S score (possible range −9 to 54) in grocery stores was 29·8 (sd 10·9) compared with 7·3 (sd 7·1) in convenience stores (P < 0·0001). Both grocery and convenience stores could be strategic points of intervention to improve the nutrition environment in the counties that were surveyed.

scholarly journals Texas nutrition environment assessment of retail food stores (TxNEA-S): development and evaluation

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1764-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian T Gloria ◽  
Mary A Steinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
High Income ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Latino Culture ◽  
Dairy Proteins ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
Convenience Stores

AbstractObjectiveCurrent nutrition environment instruments are typically designed to measure a small number of healthy foods based on national trends. They lack the depth to accurately measure the unique dietary choices of subpopulations, such as Texas consumers whose food preferences are influenced by Hispanic/Latino culture. Thus the purposes of the present study were to: (i) develop a comprehensive observational tool to measure the availability of healthy foods from retail stores in Texas; and (ii) conduct a pilot test to examine the tool’s reliability, as well as differences in the availability of healthy foods in stores between high- and low-income neighbourhoods.DesignGrocery and convenience stores were assessed for availability of healthy foods. Reliability was calculated using percentage agreement, and differences in availability were examined using 2 (store type) × 2 (neighbourhood income) ANOVA.SettingOne high-income and one low-income neighbourhood in Austin, Texas.SubjectsA sample of thirty-eight stores comprising twenty-five convenience stores and thirteen grocery stores.ResultsThe low-income neighbourhood had 324 % more convenience stores and 56 % fewer grocery stores than the high-income neighbourhood. High inter-rater (mean = 0·95) and test–retest reliability (mean = 0·92) and a significant interaction (P = 0·028) between store type and neighbourhood income were found.ConclusionsThe TxNEA-S tool includes 106 healthy food items, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins and grains. The tool is reliable and face validity is affirmed by the Texas Department of Health. Grocery stores have more healthy foods than convenience stores, and high-income grocery stores offer more healthy foods than low-income grocery stores.

scholarly journals Food environment of fruits and vegetables in the territory of the Health Academy Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruna Vieira de Lima Costa ◽  
Cláudia Di Lorenzo Oliveira ◽  
Aline Cristine Souza Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Fitness Program ◽  
The Public ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Belo Horizonte ◽  
Open Air Markets ◽  
Clustering Pattern

Abstract This study provides a spatial analysis of distribution and access to commercial fruit and vegetable establishments within the territory of a representative sample of public fitness facilities known as the Health Academy Program (HAP) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study evaluated commercial food establishments within a buffer area based on a radius of 1,600 meters around each of 18 randomly selected fitness facilities. Quality of access to fruits and vegetables was assessed by the Healthy Food Store Index (HFSI), consisting of the variables availability, variety, and advertising of fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods. The analysis was based on calculation of the Kernel intensity estimator, nearest neighbor method, and Ripley K-function. Of the 336 food establishments, 61.3% were green grocers and open-air markets, with a median HFSI of 11 (5 to 16). In only 17% of the territories, the majority of the “hot area” establishments displayed better access to healthy foods, and only three areas showed a clustering pattern. The study showed limited access to commercial establishments supplying healthy fruits and vegetables within the territory of the public fitness program.

scholarly journals Availability and Pricing of Infant Snack Foods in Low-Income Communities Across Rhode Island

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 722-722
Author(s):  
Amy Moore ◽  
Maya Vadiveloo ◽  
Karen McCurdy ◽  
Alison Tovar
Keyword(s):  
Rhode Island ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Developmentally Appropriate ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Infant Foods ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food And Agriculture

Abstract Objectives Marketing for infant snack foods has increased in the past 20 years, yet little is known about the availability and pricing of these foods. This study assessed the availability and pricing of infant snack foods in grocery stores in low-income communities across Rhode Island. Methods A random sample of grocery stores (N = 20) was selected from low-income census tracts. Twelve items were developed for this study to assess the availability and pricing of infant foods (e.g., infant formula, purees) and infant snack foods (e.g., puffs, melts). The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS-S) was used to assess the nutrition environment including the availability, pricing, and quality of healthful foods compared to less healthful foods. Total NEMS-S scores range from -9 to 54 with higher scores indicating more healthful foods. Data were collected by trained research assistants during a 2-week period to limit confounding due to restocking and seasonality. This analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize the infant snack foods and the total nutrition environment. Results All 20 grocery stores in this sample sold infant foods and 18 stores sold infant snack foods. Availability of infant snack foods varied by store with puffs having the highest availability (n = 18) followed by melts (n = 15), teething cookies (n = 10), and baby yogurt (n = 7). Baby yogurt had the highest average price per serving ($0.72) followed by melts ($0.62), teething cookies ($0.50), and puffs ($0.49). Mean total NEMS-S score for all grocery stores was 27.5 (SD = 4.7). Conclusions Infant snack foods are available in grocery stores in low-income communities. Recent increases in marketing and availability of infant snack foods make it important to explore factors that influence caregivers to offer these snacks. Future studies should explore these factors and develop evidence-based recommendations for developmentally appropriate, healthful snacking during infancy. Funding Sources This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, [Hatch/Tovar/1,001,894].

scholarly journals The complexities of selling fruits and vegetables in remote Navajo Nation retail outlets: perspectives from owners and managers of small stores

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1638-1646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily M Piltch ◽  
Sonya S Shin ◽  
Robert F Houser ◽  
Timothy Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Navajo Nation ◽  
Product Selection ◽  
The Usa

AbstractObjective:Navajo Nation residents experience extreme rates of poverty, food insecurity and diet-related diseases. While many residents travel far to shop at grocery stores, there are small stores closer to home that could provide more healthy options, like fruits and vegetables (F&V). Little is known from the perspective of store owners and managers regarding the barriers and facilitators to offering F&V; the present study contributes to filling that gap.Design:Data were collected through structured interviews from a sampling frame of all store owners or managers in the setting (n 29).Setting:Small stores in Navajo Nation, New Mexico, USA. Navajo Nation is predominantly rural and the largest federally recognized Native American tribe in the USA.Participants:Sixteen managers and six owners at twenty-two stores.Results:When asked about the types of foods that were most commonly purchased at their stores, most participants reported snacks and drinks (82 and 68 %, respectively). Many participants reported they would like to offer more fresh F&V. However, barriers included varying perceived customer demand, limited F&V choices from distributors and (for some managers) limited authority over product selection.Conclusions:Findings contribute to the discussion on engaging store owners and managers in providing quality, healthy foods close to home in low-income, rural regions.

scholarly journals Impact of a Healthy Retail Intervention on Fruits and Vegetables and Total Sales in Tribally Owned Convenience Stores: Findings From the THRIVE Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483992095312
Author(s):  
Mary B. Williams ◽  
Wenyu Wang ◽  
Tori Taniguchi ◽  
Alicia L. Salvatore ◽  
William K. Groover ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Sales ◽  
Healthy Retail

Background Healthy retail interventions are a recommended intervention strategy to address diet-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes; however, retail managers are concerned about their bottom line. This study’s aim was to assess the impact of a healthy retail intervention on fruits and vegetables (FV) sales, as well as total sales, in tribally owned convenience stores where grocery stores are scarce. Method We analyzed weekly sales data over the first 6 months of a healthy retail intervention. We assessed the proportion of sales from two FV baskets. The FV basket included all fresh, canned, and dried FV sold at stores; while the fruits, vegetables, and salads (FVS) basket included all FV items as well as all salads sold. We compared mean weekly sales rates in intervention and control stores over the 6-month period using generalized estimating equations models to account for repeated measures. Results Mean weekly FV basket sales rates were higher in intervention stores than control stores in both Nations. Mean weekly FVS baskets sales were significantly higher in intervention stores than control stores in one Nation and were higher, but not statistically significant, in intervention stores in the other Nation. Total sales remained steady throughout the intervention period. Conclusions The THRIVE (Tribal Health and Resilience in Vulnerable Environments) intervention increased FV sales without negatively affecting total sales. Policy and Practice Implications. Healthy retail interventions in tribal convenience stores, where many Native Americans living in rural areas shop due to scarcity of grocery stores, could improve diet-related disparities without reducing total sales.

scholarly journals Changes in food pricing and availability on the Navajo Nation following a 2% tax on unhealthy foods: The Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256683
Author(s):  
Carmen George ◽  
Carolyn Bancroft ◽  
Shine Krystal Salt ◽  
Cameron S. Curley ◽  
Caleigh Curley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Fresh Fruit ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Tribal Community ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Navajo Nation ◽  
Local Food System ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Fresh Vegetables

Introduction In 2014, the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) was passed, combining a 2% tax on foods of ‘minimal-to-no-nutritional value’ and waiver of 5% sales tax on healthy foods, the first-ever such tax in the U.S. and globally among a sovereign tribal nation. The aim of this study was to measure changes in pricing and food availability in stores on the Navajo Nation following the implementation of the HDNA. Methods Store observations were conducted in 2013 and 2019 using the Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey-Stores (NEMS-S) adapted for the Navajo Nation. Observations included store location, type, whether healthy foods or HDNA were promoted, and availability and pricing of fresh fruits and vegetables, canned items, beverages, water, snacks and traditional foods. Differences between 2013 and 2019 and by store type and location were tested. Results The matched sample included 71 stores (51 in the Navajo Nation and 20 in border towns). In 2019, fresh produce was available in the majority of Navajo stores, with 71% selling at least 3 types of fruit and 65% selling at least 3 types of vegetables. Compared with border town convenience stores, Navajo convenience stores had greater availability of fresh vegetables and comparable availability of fresh fruit in 2019. The average cost per item of fresh fruit decreased by 13% in Navajo stores (from $0.88 to $0.76) and increased in border stores (from $0.63 to $0.73), resulting in comparable prices in Navajo and border stores in 2019. While more Navajo stores offered mutton, blue corn and wild plants in 2019 compared to 2013, these changes were not statistically significant. Discussion The findings suggest modest improvements in the Navajo store environment and high availability of fruits and vegetables. Navajo stores play an important role in the local food system and provide access to local, healthy foods for individuals living in this rural, tribal community.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of a Simple Convenience Store SHELF Audit

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Horacek ◽  
Elif Yildirim ◽  
Erin Kelly ◽  
Adrienne White ◽  
Karla Shelnutt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Convenience Store ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Practical Tool ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Development And Validation

Background This paper describes the development, reliability, and convergent validity of a practical tool—the Convenience Store Supportive Healthy Environment for Life-Promoting Food (SHELF) Audit. Methods Audit items included: a variety of fresh, processed, and frozen fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy products; healthy staples and frozen meals; healthy food incentive programs; items sold in check-out areas; portion/cup sizes; and pricing. Each audit item was scored using a five-point semantic-differential scale (1 = provides little or no support for healthful foods to 5 = provides high support for healthful foods). Convergent validity was examined by comparing the SHELF audit to Ghirardelli et al. and Laska et al. store audits. Statistical analysis included: Factor analysis, ANOVA, and Spearman correlations. Results SHELF included three factors: a Fruits/Vegetables scale (eight items, α = 0.79; total potential points = 34); a Healthy Foods scale (four items, α = 0.72; total potential points = 16); and a Supports scale (four items, α = 0.685; total potential points = 16). Only 6% of the 124 convenience stores assessed scored in the most healthful range (46–66). The assessed drug stores (n = 15) scored higher than convenience stores (n = 81) on the Healthy Foods and Supports scales but not the Fruits/Vegetables scale. The SHELF sub-scores were highly correlated with other audit tools indicating convergent validity. Conclusion The SHELF convenience store audit is a valid, reliable tool for assessing the degree to which convenience stores support healthfulness regarding Fruits/Vegetables, Healthy Foods, and Supports for choosing healthy.

scholarly journals Food availability and advertising within food outlets around primary healthcare services in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula M. Horta ◽  
Juliana de P. M. Souza ◽  
Patrícia P. Freitas ◽  
Aline C. S. Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Food Outlet ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Outlets ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Belo Horizonte

Abstract The consumer food environment is changing: an extensive variety of foods are now available in most markets, offering palatability, convenience and novelty. However, little is known about the availability and advertising of food items within food outlets, especially among developing countries. The present study examined these dimensions in 281 food outlets located around eighteen primary healthcare services in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 2013. These establishments were classified as large-chain supermarkets; specialised fruits and vegetable (F&V) markets; and local grocery stores, convenience stores or bakeries. Availability of F&V, availability of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and food advertising were compared across the food outlet categories by applying the χ2 test. Almost 60 % of the food outlets were specialised F&V markets, 21⋅4 % were large-chain supermarkets and 19⋅2 % were local grocery stores, convenience stores or bakeries. Almost 80 % contained at least eight types of fruits and vegetables, and 60 % contained UPF. Food advertisement was absent in 59⋅8 % of the food outlets, 19⋅6 % were advertising only F&V and 17⋅4 % were advertising only UPF. Higher F&V availability was noted inside specialised F&V markets and large-chain supermarkets than local grocery stores, convenience stores or bakeries. Advertising of F&V was more common within specialised F&V markets. However, large-chain supermarkets and local grocery stores, convenience stores or bakeries contained more frequent UPF food advertising isolated: 38⋅3 and 35⋅2 %, respectively. Therefore, the availability and advertising of food items within food outlets around primary healthcare services are different according to the type of food outlet.

Availability and affordability of healthy and less healthy food in Nova Scotia: where you shop may affect the availability and price of healthy food

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Egbe ◽  
Amy Grant ◽  
Madeleine Waddington ◽  
Mikiko Terashima ◽  
Rita MacAulay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
Type Representation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Stores

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to examine the availability and price of healthier compared with less healthy foods by geography, store category and store type for convenience stores, and by store size for grocery stores in Nova Scotia. Design: A cross-sectional study that examined differences in the overall availability and price of healthier compared to less healthy foods in grocery and convenience stores in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Consumer Food Environment project was part of a larger initiative of the Nova Scotia government (Department of Health and Wellness) to assess the food and beverage environment in Nova Scotia in 2015/16. Setting: Four geographic zones (Nova Scotia Health Authority Management Zones) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Participants: A sample of forty-seven grocery stores and fifty-nine convenience stores were selected from a list of 210 grocery stores and 758 convenience stores in Nova Scotia to ensure geographic and store type representation in our sample. Results: Findings indicate that rurality had a significant effect on food availability as measured by the Nutrition Environment Measures Surveys (NEMS) score (P < 0·01); there was a higher availability of healthy foods in rural compared to urban areas for convenience stores but not grocery stores. Healthier foods were also more available in chain stores compared to independent stores (P < 0·01) and in large stores compared to small and medium stores (P < 0·001 and P < 0·01, respectively). Conclusions: The availability of and accessibility to less healthy foods in Nova Scotia food environment suggests that there is a need for government policy action to support a food environment that contributes to healthier diets.

scholarly journals Environmental Conditions and Agronomical Factors Influencing the Levels of Phytochemicals in Brassica Vegetables Responsible for Nutritional and Sensorial Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1927
Author(s):  
Francesca Biondi ◽  
Francesca Balducci ◽  
Franco Capocasa ◽  
Marino Visciglio ◽  
Elena Mei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Degenerative Diseases ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Brassica Vegetables ◽  
Phytochemical Compounds ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Cultivation Techniques

Recently, the consumption of healthy foods has been related to the prevention of cardiovascular, degenerative diseases and different forms of cancers, underlying the importance of the diet for the consumer’s health. Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that act as protective factors for the human body, through different mechanisms of action. Among vegetables, Brassica received a lot of attention in the last years for the phytochemical compounds content and antioxidant capacity that confer nutraceutical value to the product. The amount of healthy bioactive compounds present in the Brassica defines the nutritional quality. These molecules could belong to the class of antioxidant compounds (e.g., phenols, vitamin C, etc.), or to non-antioxidant compounds (e.g., minerals, glucosinolates, etc.). The amount of these compounds in Brassica vegetables could be influenced by several factors, depending on the genotypes, the environmental conditions and the cultivation techniques adopted. The aim of this study is to highlight the main phytochemical compounds present in brassicas used as a food vegetable that confer nutritional and sensorial quality to the final product, and to investigate the main factors that affect the phytochemical concentration and the overall quality of Brassica vegetables.

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