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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sabrina S. Baronberg, MPH¹, Candace Young, MS², Regina Graham, MPH³, Deborah Lomax⁴, Anjali Talwalker, MD, MPH⁵, Cindy Gordon, PhD⁵, and Leon Tulton⁵. (1) Bureau of Chronic Disease, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2 Lafayette, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10007, 212-227-5242, sbaronbe@health.nyc.gov, (2) Bureau of Chronic Disease, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2 Lafayette, New York, NY 10007, (3) Brooklyn District Public Health Office, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 485 Throop Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11221, (4) Bronx District Public Health Office, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 1826 Arthur Ave, Suite 100, Bronx, NY 10457, (5) East Harlem District Public Health Office, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 158 E 115th St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10029

Background: Recent studies which examined access to healthy foods in low-income New York City neighborhoods demonstrate the need for improved nutritional offerings in communities where rates of chronic illnesses and obesity are disproportionately high. Those studies found that small grocery stores (bodegas) are the most common food retailers, yet most lack healthy food options. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene partnered with bodegas to develop an infrastructure to introduce healthy options, including 1% milk, into target neighborhoods.

Methods: Staff conducted surveys and recruited bodega owners to stock, promote, and reduce 1% milk prices. Educational and promotional materials and maps highlighting store locations were distributed. Data collected via weekly visits included: shelf space observation, milk order history, and owner perceptions.

Results: Fourteen bodegas participated. Initially, only 40% sold 1% milk. One percent milk is now a significant part of all stores' weekly milk orders and thus far, no stores have reported discarded or returned quantities and all stores have reported success and satisfaction with the project. Owners are confident 1% milk will continue to sell.

Conclusion: Partnering with bodegas is a practical way to introduce healthy options into low-income neighborhoods. Results indicate that residents will purchase healthy options over less healthy ones when those options are available. Findings will guide future efforts to introduce other healthy food options and health messages into bodegas.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the role small convenience stores can play in promoting healthier eating in low-income communities 2. Describe methods by which to improve healthy food offerings in such stores 3. Identify the importance of using “access” studies to guide targeted interventions and apply lessons learned to address food choices in low-income communities

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Recognize the role small convenience stores can play in promoting healthier eating in low-income communities
• 2.Describe methods by which to improve healthy food offerings in such stores
• 3.Identify the importance of using “access” studies to guide targeted interventions and apply lessons learned to address food choices in low-income communities

Keywords: Obesity, Nutrition

Related Web page: www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/dpho/dpho-moove.shtml

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered