The role of race and poverty in access to foods that enable individuals to adhere to dietary guidelines.

Full Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
The increase in obesity and disparities in obesity and related chronic diseases across racial and ethnic and income groups have led researchers to focus on the social and environmental factors that influence dietary intake. The question guiding the current study was whether all communities have equal access to foods that enable individuals to make healthy dietary choices.

METHODS:
We conducted audits of community supermarkets and fast food restaurants to assess location and availability of food choices that enable individuals to meet the dietary guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption, low-fat options). We used 2000 census data to assess the racial distribution and the percentage of individuals living below the federal poverty level in a defined area of St Louis, Mo. Spatial clustering of supermarkets and fast food restaurants was determined using a spatial scan statistic.

RESULTS:
The spatial distribution of fast food restaurants and supermarkets that provide options for meeting recommended dietary intake differed according to racial distribution and poverty rates. Mixed-race or white high-poverty areas and all African American areas (regardless of income) were less likely than predominantly white higher-income communities to have access to foods that enable individuals to make healthy choices.

CONCLUSION:
Without access to healthy food choices, individuals cannot make positive changes to their diets. If certain eating behaviors are required to reduce chronic disease and promote health, then some communities will continue to have disparities in critical health outcomes unless we increase access to healthy food.

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Author information

Author/s: Baker, Elizabeth A (EA); Schootman, Mario (M); Barnidge, Ellen (E); Kelly, Cheryl (C);

Affiliation: Saint Louis University School of Public Health, Salus Center, 3545 Lafayette Ave, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. bakerpa(-atsign-)slu.edu

Grants: R06/CCR721356 (Agency:PHS HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Preventing chronic disease (Prev Chronic Dis), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 3 (issue 3) : pp A76

Dates: Created 2006/06/16; Completed 2006/09/25; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 16776877, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

African Americans
Diet - economics
European Continental Ancestry Group
Food - economics

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