Summary
Abstract Objective Investments have been made to alter the food environment of neighbourhoods that have a disproportionate number of unhealthy food venues. Corner store conversions are one strategy to increase access to fruits and vegetables (F&V). Although the literature shows modest success, the effectiveness of these interventions remains equivocal. The present paper reports on the evaluation of Proyecto MercadoFRESCO, a corner store conversion intervention in two Latino communities. Design A repeated cross-sectional design was employed. Data were stratified by intervention arm and bivariate tests assessed changes over time. Logistic and multiple regression models with intervention arm, time and the interaction of intervention and time were conducted. Supplementary analyses account for clustering of patrons within stores and staggering of store conversions. Setting Three stores were converted and five stores served as comparisons in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights, California, USA. Subjects Store patrons were interviewed before ( n 550) and after ( n 407) the intervention. Results Relative to patrons of comparison stores, patrons of intervention stores demonstrated more favourable perceptions of corner stores and increased purchasing of F&V during that store visit. Changes were not detected in store patronage, percentage of weekly dollars spent on food for F&V or daily consumption of F&V. Conclusions Consistent with some extant food environment literature, findings demonstrate limited effects. Investments should be made in multilevel, comprehensive interventions that target a variety retail food outlets rather than focusing on corner stores exclusively. Complementary policies limiting the availability, affordability and marketing of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods should also be pursued.
Outcomes reported
Referenced by PLOS supermarket placement trial as citation 51; likely supports topic area: supermarket placement / food retail environment; obesity / chronic disease / public health. Topics: obesity / chronic disease / public health; supermarket placement / food retail environment Evidence type: Research article / other Source report: PLOS supermarket placement trial Ref#: PLOS supermarket placement trial #51 Original: Albert SL, Langellier BA, Sharif MZ, Chan-Golston AM, Prelip ML, Elena Garcia R, et al. A corner store intervention to improve access to fruits and vegetables in two Latino communities. Public Health Nutr. 2017;20(12):2249-59. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980017001008 PMID: 28578744 PLOS Medicine | 21 / 21
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.