Changes in quantity, spending, and nutritional characteristics of adult, adolescent and child urban corner store purchases after an environmental intervention

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess one-year changes in corner store purchases (nutritional characteristics, amount spent) of children, adolescents, and adults in a low-income urban environment before and after implementing an environmental intervention to increase the availability of healthier products.

Methods: Corner store owners were provided tools (trainings, signage, refrigeration) to increase the promotion and availability of several healthy foods. Based on the degree of support provided, stores were classified as "basic" or "high-intensity" intervention stores. Data on purchases and their nutrient content were gathered (n = 8671 at baseline, n = 5949 at follow-up) through customer purchase assessment interviews and direct observation outside of 192 corner stores in Philadelphia from March 2011 to August 2012.

Results: At baseline, shoppers spent $2.81 ± 3.52 for 643 ± 1065 kcal. Energy, select nutrients, and the total amount spent did not significantly change in the overall sample from baseline to follow-up. Similarly, there was no effect on energy and nutrient content when comparing changes over time between basic and high-intensity stores.

Conclusions: There were no significant changes in the energy or nutrient content of corner store purchases one year after implementation of environmental changes to increase the availability of healthier products.

Keywords: Bodega; Dietary intake; Obesity.