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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Allison Karpyn, PhD¹, Sandy Sherman, EdD¹, Gary Foster, PhD², and Lisandra Lamboy¹. (1) The Food Trust, 1201 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-568-0830, akarpyn@thefoodtrust.org, (2) Weight and Eating Disorders, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

BACKGROUND: Not only is the corner store an understudied part of the food environment, but the items youth purchase from the stores - snack foods and beverages, are a major contributor to childhood obesity. Teens have increased autonomy over their food choices, spending approximately $5.4 billion annually on fast food (French et al, 2001). Children of lower socioeconomic backgrounds are given more money to spend and have less parental supervision over their purchases than children from middle and upper socioeconomic backgrounds (Gunter & Furnham, 1998). Calls to improve food selection in away-from-home settings are well documented (Nielsen et al, 2002). METHODS: The current research represents a first step in addressing the corner store as a significant influence on low-income youth's diet through an integrated educational marketing campaign at stores and in local schools. Research investigates the change in caloric consumption among students from products purchased at the corner store (n=374), as well as the types of products purchased and the frequency and cost of expenditures. Data is collected across 4 time points spanning approximately 1 year. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of students reported buying food and drinks before school, 48% reported that they shop at corner stores after school, and 38% reported stopping in the corner store both before and after school - spending approximately $2 per visit. Positive shifts in caloric consumption, and number of healthy items purchased were found during an 8 week pilot of the marketing program. CONCLUSION: An educational marketing campaign integrated at both the school and corner store is a promising method for promoting healthier purchases at corner stores.

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