1
|
Sundermeir SM, Santos SR, Lewis EC, John S, Gardner K, Friedman E, Poirier L, Hua S, Peoples-Brown S, Benjamin-Neelon SE, Gittelsohn J. Dollar store policy opportunities in Baltimore City: community member and policy maker perspectives. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1399402. [PMID: 38818134 PMCID: PMC11138488 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1399402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are currently over 50 dollar stores in Baltimore City, Maryland. Community perceptions of over-saturation and resulting neighborhood impacts have garnered recent attention. A Maryland State Senate Bill required further study of dollar stores in Baltimore City to inform future policy. Therefore, the over-arching goal of this study was to generate community-informed policy recommendations for the Baltimore City Council. Methods Three methods of data collection were used: (1) in-depth interviews with community members, retail staff/owners, dollar store staff, and policy makers; (2) an online survey of Baltimore City residents; and (3) workshop with community members and one with policy makers. Triangulation across data sources, discussion amongst the research team, and member checking were used to generate the top four policy options: a conditional use ordinance, a community benefits agreements, a dispersal ordinance, and a staple foods ordinance. Results There was strong support for policies that encourage dollar stores to better align with community priorities (e.g., improving store cleanliness and appearance, increasing availability of healthy foods), as opposed to closing or banning dollar stores entirely. There was also strong support for policies that would empower communities to participate in determining the role of dollar stores in their neighborhoods, for example through a conditional use ordinance or community benefits agreement. Key concerns included policy enforcement, given the additional funding required, and current limited capacity at the city government level. Strategies to address such challenges were generated including implementing business licenses at the city level, linking new ordinances to dollar store leases and permits, and encouraging dollar store participation in federal and local programs to more feasibly stock healthier food items (e.g., fresh produce). Dissatisfaction was expressed regarding a lack of policy options to address the existing dollar stores, not just new dollar stores entering the City. Discussion This study is the first of its kind to assess community support for dollar store policies at the local level, and serves to inform policies that improve dollar stores. A report of these findings was provided to Baltimore City Council to inform new, community-supported dollar store policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Sundermeir
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sydney R. Santos
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Emma C. Lewis
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sara John
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Karen Gardner
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Emily Friedman
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lisa Poirier
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shuxian Hua
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sevetra Peoples-Brown
- Baltimore County Government, Towson, MD, United States
- Office of Senator Mary Washington, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Office of Senator Mary Washington, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dixon J, Stage VC, Truesdale KP, Wu Q, Kolasa K, Haynes-Maslow L, McGuirt JT, Jilcott Pitts S. Associations between food and beverage purchases and skin carotenoids among diverse small food retail store customers. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2211-2217. [PMID: 37548230 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if customer purchases at small food stores are associated with healthfulness of the diet as approximated by skin carotenoids. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional survey of customers in small food stores regarding demographics and food purchases. Food and beverage purchases were classified as 'healthy' or 'non-healthy' and 'carotenoid' v. 'non-carotenoid' using a systematic classification scheme. Fruit and vegetable intake was objectively assessed using a non-invasive device to measure skin carotenoids. Associations between variables of interest were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients, t tests and multiple linear regression analyses. SETTING Twenty-two small food retail stores in rural (n 7 stores) and urban (n 15) areas of North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS Customers of small food stores. RESULTS Of study participants (n 1086), 55·1 % were male, 60·0 % were African American/Black and 4·2 % were Hispanic, with a mean age of 43·5 years. Overall, 36 % purchased at least one healthy item, and 7·6 % of participants purchased a carotenoid-containing food/beverage. Healthy foods and beverages purchased included produce, lean meats, 100 % juices, plain popcorn, plain nuts, milk and yogurt. Unhealthy items included non-100 % juices, crackers, chips, candy, cakes and donuts. Purchase of a healthy or carotenoid-containing item was positively associated with skin carotenoid scores (P = 0·002 and 0·006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A relatively small proportion of customers purchased any healthy or carotenoid-containing foods and beverages, and those who did purchase healthy options had higher skin carotenoid scores. Future research should confirm these findings in different populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Dixon
- Departments of Nutrition Science and Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Public Health, ECU, Greenville27834, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muir S, Dhuria P, Roe E, Lawrence W, Baird J, Vogel C. UK government's new placement legislation is a 'good first step': a rapid qualitative analysis of consumer, business, enforcement and health stakeholder perspectives. BMC Med 2023; 21:33. [PMID: 36703194 PMCID: PMC9878939 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current food system in England promotes a population diet that is high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). To address this, the UK government has implemented legislation to restrict the promotion of HFSS products in prominent locations (e.g. store entrances, checkouts) in qualifying retailers since October 2022. This study investigated the perceived impact of the legislation for affected stakeholders. METHODS A pre-implementation rapid qualitative evaluation of stakeholder interviews. One hundred eight UK stakeholders participated in the study including 34 consumers, 24 manufacturers and retailers, 22 local authority enforcement officers and 28 academic and charitable health representatives. A participatory conference was used to enable policy recommendations to be confirmed by stakeholders. RESULTS Stakeholders perceived the legislation to be a 'good first step' towards improving population diet but recognised this needed to be considered amongst a range of long-term obesity policies. Areas of further support were identified and these are presented as six recommendations for government to support the successful implementation of the legislation: (1) provide a free central HFSS calculator, (2) refine legislation to enhance intent and clarity, (3) conduct a robust evaluation to assess intended and unintended outcomes, (4) provide greater support for smaller businesses, (5) provide ring-fenced resources to local authorities and (6) create and communicate a long-term roadmap for food and health. CONCLUSIONS This legislation has the potential to reduce impulse HFSS purchases and makes a solid start towards creating healthier retail outlets for consumers. Immediate government actions to create a freely accessible HFSS calculator, support smaller businesses and provide additional resources to local authorities would support successful implementation and enforcement. Independent evaluation of the implementation of the legislation will enable monitoring of potential unintended consequences identified in this study and support refinement of the legislation. A long-term roadmap is necessary to outline strategies to support equal access to healthier and sustainable food across the whole food system within the next 20-30 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Muir
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Preeti Dhuria
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Emma Roe
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Wendy Lawrence
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Janis Baird
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton Science Park, Innovation Centre, 2 Venture Road, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NP, UK
| | - Christina Vogel
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton Science Park, Innovation Centre, 2 Venture Road, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NP, UK.,Centre for Food Policy, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wolgast H, Halverson MM, Kennedy N, Gallard I, Karpyn A. Encouraging Healthier Food and Beverage Purchasing and Consumption: A Review of Interventions within Grocery Retail Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16107. [PMID: 36498181 PMCID: PMC9737366 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This review identifies the most promising intervention strategies for promoting the purchase and consumption of healthier items within U.S. grocery retail settings, with a particular focus on those strategies that may be most effective when implemented within SNAP-authorized retail settings. Searches of nine electronic databases, as well as forward and backward searches, yielded 1942 studies. After being screened, 73 peer-reviewed academic articles were identified for inclusion. Of these, 33 analyzed single-component interventions, while 40 assessed multi-component interventions. The following unique intervention types were considered as evaluated in these studies for their ability to increase healthy item purchasing and consumption: (1) nutrition scoring, (2) nutritional messaging, (3) non-nutritional messaging, (4) endcaps and secondary placement, (5) point-of-sale interventions, (6) increased stocking, (7) food tasting and demonstrations, (8) nutrition education, and (9) placement on shelf interventions. Nutritional scoring and nutritional messaging emerged as the most rigorously tested and effective intervention strategies. Other strategies warrant more research attention. Simple intervention strategies, as opposed to complex ones, yield the most successful results and minimize shopper burden. Therefore, these strategies should be reviewed for policy implementation within SNAP-authorized grocery retailers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Wolgast
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - McKenna M. Halverson
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Nicole Kennedy
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | | | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sundermeir SM, Winkler MR, John S, Colón-Ramos U, Kaur R, Hickson A, Dombrowski RD, Hill AB, Bode B, DeAngelo J, Gittelsohn J. A Commentary on the Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project: Implications for Retailers, Policy, and Future Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8824. [PMID: 35886677 PMCID: PMC9324473 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, low-income, underserved rural and urban settings experience poor access to healthy, affordable food. Introducing new food outlets in these locations has shown mixed results for improving healthy food consumption. The Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project (HCSCSP) explored an alternative strategy: supporting mission-driven, locally owned, healthy community food stores to improve healthy food access. The HCSCSP used a multiple case study approach, and conducted a cross-case analysis of seven urban healthy food stores across the United States. The main purpose of this commentary paper is to summarize the main practice strategies for stores as well as future directions for researchers and policy-makers based on results from the prior cross-case analyses. We organize these strategies using key concepts from the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interaction Model. Several key strategies for store success are presented including the use of non-traditional business models, focus on specific retail actors such as store champions and multiple vendor relationships, and a stores' role in the broader community context, as well as the striking challenges faced across store locations. Further exploration of these store strategies and how they are implemented is needed, and may inform policies that can support these types of healthy retail sites and sustain their efforts in improving healthy food access in their communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Sundermeir
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Megan R. Winkler
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Sara John
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA; (S.J.); (A.H.)
| | - Uriyoán Colón-Ramos
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
| | - Ravneet Kaur
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Ashley Hickson
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA; (S.J.); (A.H.)
| | - Rachael D. Dombrowski
- Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (R.D.D.); (B.B.)
| | - Alex B. Hill
- Urban Studies and Planning and Detroit Food Map Initiative, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Bree Bode
- Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, College of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (R.D.D.); (B.B.)
| | - Julia DeAngelo
- Departments of Health Policy Management & Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| |
Collapse
|