Healthy eating and food purchasing for residents of low income areas: Results from studying a new supermarket opening as a result of financial incentives

Background: New York City recently implemented a program to introduce supermarkets into high-need areas, aiming to change the food environment and improve eating. This policy is being considered nationally, with little known about effectiveness. We examined the influence of a recently-introduced supermarket on shopping and food consumption among residents of a low-income area of NYC. Methods: Using a difference-in-difference design, we examine impacts on adults and children 3-10. Data were collected via a street-intercept survey and follow-up telephone 24 hour dietary recall, at three points: baseline 2011; two months, and one year after opening in the community that received the supermarket and a matched comparison community. Results: No changes were noted in purchasing or consumption of healthy items or unhealthy items from baseline to first post period. Two months after opening, about 20% were able to identify or describe the new store. Reliance on supermarkets was already very high (88%) before the new store opened. At the conference we will present already collected data from one year, as well as data for those who lived a short distance from the new store. Discussion: As a result of the NYC policy to encourage healthy supermarkets in high-need areas, we found little immediate impact for the larger community, where awareness of the new store was low. Examining those who live close to the new store and the one-year post opening results will tell of the larger impact. With such initiatives being implemented and considered nationwide, an examination of their impact is critical.