Variation in convenience store food availability and cost in areas with diverse ethnic representation

Background. Hispanic populations are disproportionately impacted by diabetes, which is partially attributed to the foods they consume. The American Diabetes Association recommends healthful food choices; however, some areas are limited in the types of foods they offer. Although food outlets influence food purchasing, less is known about the role of convenience stores as viable channels to provide healthier foods in our “grab and go” society.

Objectives. This study: (1) identified foods offered within convenience stores located in two Bexar County, Texas ZIP codes; and (2) compared the availability and cost of ADA-recommended foods including beverages, produce, grains, and oils/fats.

Methods. Data were analyzed from 27 convenience store audits performed in two diverse ZIP codes in Bexar County, Texas: ZIP A (90.9% Hispanic, 19 convenience stores) and ZIP B (47.7% Hispanic, 9 convenience stores). Chi-squared tests were used to compare food availability and t-tests were used to compare food cost in convenience stores between ZIP codes.

Results. When comparing food availability, a significantly larger proportion of ZIP B convenience stores offered bananas (X2=4.17, P=0.003), whole grain bread (X2=8.33, P=0.004), and baked potato chips (X2=13.68, P<0.001). When comparing food cost, on average the price of diet cola (t=-2.12, P=0.044) and certain produce items (e.g., bananas, oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber) was significantly higher within ZIP B convenience stores.

Conclusion: While some healthful foods were available less in the Hispanic-dense ZIP A, these foods were more expensive when offered in ZIP B. Convenience stores can positively shape a community's food environment by stocking healthier foods at affordable prices.