Pre- and Post-Implementation Food Expenditure among Mexican-Heritage Families in an Obesity Prevention Program

Niños Sanos, Familia Sana (NSFS) is a multi-approach childhood obesity intervention study in the central valley of California, targeting Mexican-heritage children ages 3-8 and their families.  This presentation analyzes changes in food expenditure among participants pre- and post-implementation.  Participants in NSFS receive multiple interventions, including: a $25/month voucher to purchase fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education for children and parents/guardians.  A preliminary environmental scan of the community found that grocery stores and other food retail locations carried limited, expensive fruits and vegetables.  The voucher effectively lowers the relative prices of fruits and vegetables, making those commodities more accessible to this population.  Increased demand for fruits and vegetables among study participants may also induce retail stores to improve the quantity and quality of produce for sale. 

Researchers used grocery-store scanning systems, receipts and surveys to collect food expenditure data at baseline and one year post-implementation.  These data are used to assess changes in food expenditure among participant households.  Researchers also analyze how socioeconomic and other demographic factors including, income, employment history, education, and level of acculturation, contribute to food purchasing decisions.  Researchers predict participants have increased expenditures on fruits and vegetables and decreased expenditures on sugar-sweetened beverages.  An environmental scan is used to assess changes in the retail environment.