Populations living in low-income areas often have limited healthy food options at affordable prices. Corner stores can increase access to healthy foods, but still tend to offer limited choices. This study scored healthy food availability in corner stores located in high poverty, urban regions in Mecklenburg County, NC, and assessed corner store use.

2) Methods

The Healthy Food Availability Index (HFAI) was used to score 115 corner stores. Scores were categorized as low, medium, or high. Using mapping software, store scores were overlaid with poverty level, educational attainment, transportation, and race/ethnicity. Four focus groups with local residents were conducted to assess corner store use. Content analysis was used to identify themes.

3) Results

According to the HFAI, 3 stores were in the ‘high’ and 73 were in the ‘low’ scoring category. Maps provided a visual depiction of healthy foods available in corner stores and showed a clear relationship between HFAI score and poverty, race/ethnicity, and education level. Focus groups found that some racial/ethnic populations intermittently use corner stores, while others prefer full-service grocery stores but have transportation barriers.

4) Discussion

Results align with research in other urban areas, and the need to improve access to healthy food is evident. Focus groups indicated that some residents may use corner stores more than others, but access to full-service grocery stores remains essential. Healthy corner store initiatives may be more effective in some neighborhoods. Future policy should focus on innovative public/private partnerships that can bring permanent or mobile grocery stores to low-income areas.