Nashville's CPPW Corner Store Initiative: Methods and Measurement

Introduction: There is a growing interest in examining the role of the local food environment on individuals' access to affordable, nutritious food. Urban areas deprived of healthful food resources, known as ”food deserts,” are associated with inequalities in health. Nashville's CPPW initiative focused strategies to increase availability of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy in corner/convenience stores located in food deserts. Methods: Food deserts were defined using Geographic Information Systems mapping of data sources including census, transit, and retail parcels. Stores were selected based on multiple criteria that assured greatest reach. Multiple assessments were implemented including: a) store audits and consumer purchases, using NEMS-CS, to assess availability and uptake, and b) proprietor surveys and consumer listening sessions to assess strengths and barriers. Store intervention strategies were tailored to baseline results and characteristics of each neighborhood. Results: Four food deserts were identified consisting of majority African Americans and persons living in poverty. Among five participating stores, few to none offered the targeted foods/beverages at baseline. Barriers included crime and food familiarity; strengths included high foot traffic and neighborhood pride. Post assessments and evaluation results will be presented at the conference. Discussion: The corner store as a means to improve access to healthful foods/beverages shows promise in low-income neighborhoods. Strategies that focus on changing the food environment should take into consideration the complexities of the context including socio-cultural attitudes towards food, crime, partnerships and other resources that can support and sustain healthy food/beverage offerings in neighborhood corner stores.