Adoption of the Minneapolis Staple Food Ordinance: A novel policy to improve healthy food availability in small food stores

Consistent with the idea of embedding health in all policies, the Minneapolis City Council recently revised a 2008 ordinance which required all Minneapolis stores with grocery licenses to carry a limited number of staple foods. As of April 1, 2015, stores must meet new, more comprehensive food requirements that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and resemble stocking requirements for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) vendors. Stores must carry minimum amounts of 10 staple food categories, including fresh and frozen produce, whole grains, and low-fat milk. The revised ordinance aims to reduce disparities in healthy food access by increasing healthy food availability in over 260 retail food outlets across Minneapolis, including corner stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and dollar stores, where low-income residents often shop for groceries. The impact of this policy – the first and only of its kind in the US -is being rigorously evaluated through a partnership with the University of Minnesota.

This presentation will describe key components of the “Staple Food Ordinance” and the process through which the Minneapolis Health Department worked to revise the policy and facilitate its adoption in 2014 – including lessons learned from engaging elected officials, community residents, and store owners. The presentation will also outline strategies that are being used to improve store compliance with the new requirements. Participants will learn how the ordinance contributes to addressing health equity in Minneapolis and reflect on the potential impact a healthy food retail policy might have on health disparities in their own communities.