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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jose O. Arrom, MA¹, Dinah Ramirez, RN², and Aida L. Giachello, PhD¹. (1) Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd. 636, Chicago, IL 60608, 312-413-1836, josarrom@uic.edu, (2) Healthy South Chicago Coalition, 8419 S. Brandon, Chicago, IL 60617

Objective: Increase the demand for as well as the availability of fruits and vegetables in a low income Latino neighborhood with a high prevalence of diabetes-related disease and obesity. Lack of community availability of fruits and vegetables has been associated with poor health and food insecurity. Furthermore, diabetes self-management cannot be sustained with changes in the resource environment. Methods: Community members conducted a block by block assessment, surveying grocery stores and restaurants. Two Chicago Southeast Diabetes Community Action Coalition partners, the Chamber of Commerce and Healthy South Chicago co-hosted meetings with grocers and restaurant owners to share the findings and suggest healthier alternatives. To increase demand, volunteers did food samplings or demonstrations using simple recipes reflecting the Mexican and African-American preferences. A vegetable/fruit of the month calendar was developed indicating availability and nutritional value. Informational materials and recipes were prepared in English and Spanish. Samplings are conducted monthly, averaging 150 persons per event. Results: Grocery Shopping Survey findings of 28 grocery stores indicate: 32% sold fresh fruit; 36% sold fresh vegetables; and 7% displayed nutritional information. Of 32 restaurants, only 34% offered salads. 37% of South Chicago residents must travel at least a half mile to stores with fresh produce. Additional funding was secured from a major foundation. Issues in program design and formative evaluation are discussed. Conclusions: Partnering with food outlets can be effective if there are both financial and institutional benefits. Norms are changing in the area but food environments also must change to assure sustainability.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate the feasibility of a community-based environmental intervention to reduce health disparities. Identify the steps for evaluating ecological interventions, using social marketing aproaches.

Keywords: Food and Nutrition, Health Activism

Related Web page: www.uic.edu/jaddams

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered