Yes, the poor pay more for food: When, where, and what they shop for matters

It is extensively documented that the poor pay slightly more for food than the national average and that food prices are exorbitantly higher in low-income urban communities than those in nearby higher income neighborhoods. While the type and the location of foods stores have been suggested as reasons for disparate pricing of food in low-income communities, there is limited empirical work that supports these differences. A comparative study was conducted to examine differences of food prices across neighborhoods, types of stores and time. This study was informed by a parent evaluation project of neighborhood food environment and residents' food acquisition practices in Newark, NJ. Three stores, two (same) local grocery stores, in two distinct neighborhoods and a large chain supermarket in an adjacent town were evaluated for difference of prices of standard and healthy food options of the same brand at three different periods of the month, for three consecutive months, using a validated food price index inventory. Data analysis followed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) guidelines and findings were compared to the 2010 CPI report of urban food prices for the same food items and months. Findings confirm that prices vary by location and store type and period of time. Change of prices across time and neighborhood were consistently higher at the beginning of the month for certain ethnic identified food groups, juices and children's cereals. Findings have implications for food pricing and food choice research and policies.