Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113991

Regina Graham, MPH, Leslie D. Kaufman, PhD, Zulma Novoa, and Adam Karpati, MD, MPH. Brooklyn District Public Health Office, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 485 Throop Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11221, (646)253-5717, rgraham@health.nyc.gov

Background: The neighborhood environment is increasingly recognized as a determinant of health behaviors. Evidence suggests that neighborhood food availability influences residents' dietary habits and local advertising affects smoking patterns. To promote partnerships and plan community interventions, the Brooklyn office of the NYC Health Department conducted a survey of food establishments in the two low-income, predominantly African American and Latino neighborhoods it serves.

Methods: Survey staff walked or drove through every street in the two densely populated Brooklyn neighborhoods (area: 5 sq. mi.; population ~250,000) and visited all commercial establishments selling food. Data was collected via observation and included: establishment type, presence and price of whole and reduced-fat milk; presence and price of vegetables; presence and type of food and tobacco advertising.

Results: We surveyed 540 establishments; 12 large supermarkets, 307 small groceries, and 168 restaurants. National-chain fast-food restaurants comprised 12% of all restaurants. Among groceries selling milk, reduced fat milk was available in 29%; there were no differences in the average price of reduced-fat and whole milk. Green vegetables were available in 6% of groceries. The percent of groceries that advertised regular soda and diet soda were 19% and 1%, respectively. Tobacco advertising was present in 47% of groceries, 74% of which were within three blocks of a school.

Conclusions: Healthy food availability is limited in these neighborhoods. National chains represent a small portion of restaurants. Advertising for non-diet soda and cigarettes is common. These data provide important direction for a local public health office to guide collaborative community interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe food availability and food store types in low-income, urban neighborhoods.
• 2. Discuss tobacco advertising in food stores relative to school locations.
• 3. Discuss the benefits of conducting community assessments to guide program planning and intervention design.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.