Fresh produce and nutrious foods accessibility in low -income urban communities: Florida case-study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disparities in access to fresh produce in the Tampa metropolitan area by assessing and comparing the availability, variability, quality and price of fruits and vegetables (F/V) in food stores in one Tampa community.

A geographical area was surveyed to identify all food stores within the community. Data were gathered through a F/V inventory, with each food store evaluated for availability: indicated by the presence or absence of F/V items; variety; price: based on price per pound (or per item)and; quality: based on apparent bruising and ripeness (Excellent/Good/Poor). Food stores were evaluated on availability and price of F/V to determine their fulfillment of the USDA Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) guidelines and TFP basket.

Across all 24 food stores in our study area, 310 F/V item were identified. The quality of produce was found to be more consistent in grocery stores than convenience stores. Lower costs of F/V were observed among grocery stores and supermarkets. Conversely, convenience stores exhibited higher prices on F/V items. Twenty five percent of food items identified correlated with the TFP guidelines, while less than half of all the stores surveyed where able to fill a TFP basket.

The absence of quality and affordable foods within this community present a barrier to access of fresh F/V and impairs resident's ability to consume a healthy diet. Eliminating these barriers forms an integral part in achieving the objectives such as those set forth in Healthy People 2020.