The availability and price of healthy foods in Health Food Stores can significantly influence consumer purchasing patterns, dietary intake, and overall health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood demographics, store size, and the availability and price of healthy food options in a sample of grocery stores and supermarkets. Researchers used the Nutrition Environment Measures Study-Store (NEMS-S) instrument, a standardized observational survey, to evaluate 42 food stores in Vermont and Arkansas in 2008. Census data, including median household income and racial composition, characterized store neighborhoods, while the number of cash registers indicated store size.
Median household income correlated positively with the NEMS healthy food availability score, suggesting that higher-income neighborhoods had greater access to healthy options. Conversely, the proportion of African-American residents in a neighborhood showed a negative correlation with healthy food availability, particularly for low-fat milk. Neither proportion of residents below the poverty line nor store size showed a significant relationship with the overall availability score. However, larger stores tended to offer healthier food options at lower prices.
The study found that even within supermarkets, disparities in healthy food availability existed across different neighborhoods. While the quality of healthier options remained consistent, their availability varied, highlighting a potential area for policy intervention. Increasing access to larger stores, which can offer lower prices on healthy foods, might be another strategy for improving food environments and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases.
Larger stores tended to have more favorable prices for healthier food options, underscoring the potential benefit of increased access to supermarkets in underserved communities.
The study also revealed that the overall cost of healthier non-produce items was higher than that of less healthy counterparts, potentially discouraging consumers from choosing healthier options. This price difference was primarily attributed to higher costs for healthier versions of commonly consumed items like juice, hot dogs, ground beef, chips, and whole wheat bread.
Variations in low-fat milk availability were observed, with lower shelf space dedicated to low-fat milk in lower-income neighborhoods and those with a higher proportion of African-American residents. This disparity raises concerns about access to healthier milk choices in vulnerable populations, particularly given the importance of reducing saturated fat intake. Promoting lower-fat milk options is a key component of many dietary improvement initiatives.
The study’s findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve healthy food access in underserved communities. Expanding access to supermarkets and addressing the price disparity between healthy and unhealthy foods could significantly contribute to creating healthier food environments and promoting positive dietary changes.
