Oral

Though the concept of the food desert has been around for some time, recent attention by Michelle Obama has highlighted the issue. Addressing factors related to the existence of food deserts, and developing appropriate and effective interventions to address these factors, is imperative to improving health outcomes associated with increasing intakes of healthy foods. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, researchers are actively developing and testing novel techniques for assessing and addressing food deserts. Topics of this session will include assessments of snack offerings at corner stores, research describing differences in quality and shelf-life of fresh and healthy food options between affluent and less-affluent neighborhoods. Interventions using technology to reduce barriers to supply and the use of marketing to increase purchase of healthier options will be also discussed.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe differences in food systems regulations between national, state, and local systems. 2. Discuss methods for evaluating food quality between distinct vendors or neighborhoods. 3. Compare interventions for improving access to fruits and vegetables within food deserts.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)