1. Combating Food Deserts with Corner Stores in Eastern North Carolina: An Exploratory Study
Sara Wingate, MA
Masters of Health Education and Promotion, Collage of Health and Human Performance, Department of Health Education and Promotion
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
North Carolina is the seventh-most state in the nation with corner stores, at 6,306 stores.1 Many of these corner stores across North Carolina do not typically supply a wide range of fresh and nutrient dense food options to support a balance and nutritious diet.
Food deserts are geographical locations, often home to lower-income residents, that lack access to affordable fruits and vegetables as well as other essential nutrient dense items that make up a balanced diet.2
North Carolina has more than 349 food deserts across 80 counties, which impact 1.5 million residents.3
Evidence suggest that people who reside in food desert areas often have an overabundance of fast food chains, which sell cheap and highly processed foods. Contributing to higher obesity rates and chronic diseases.4
In previous research studies, such as the formative evaluation for a healthy corner store initiative in Pitt County, NC: Part 1 and 2, the most successful programs implemented a multi-dimensional structure to empower positive healthy revolutions within food desert areas.5
WHY IT MATTERS
Studies have found that low-income communities often have limited or no access to grocery stores that sell healthy foods and beverages, often referred to as food deserts.7
Areas of food deserts are linked to the highest incidence of obesity among adults and children.8
Teenagers who live closer to corner stores statistically have a higher body mass index and intake more sugar-sweeten beverages than those who live farther away from corner stores.6
Balanced nutrition is vital to good health and disease prevention across the lifespan.
If the resources for healthier options were available at corner stores, community residents who shop there will have the opportunity to purchase and eat nutrient dense foods. Leading to healthier lifestyles. 2
Photo 1 & 2: Produce refrigeration10
GENERAL THEME
HEALTH IMPACT
Counties with high-food desert rates, statistically, have a higher percentage of adults with diabetes compared to low-food desert areas.9
Individuals who live with limited access to healthy food options tend to develop diet associated diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.
Living in a food desert is not incidental, it has its effect on children and adults well-being.9 Evidences stacks up against individuals living in these settings, than the general population. Children that are overweight are 70 percent more likely to bring excess pounds with them into adulthood.8
Nutrition matters when it comes to mental health. Over time, inadequate nutrition can lead to various psychological difficulties.
Through various studies, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive related illnesses, have been linked to nutrition deficiencies.
PURPOSE
To combat food deserts in eastern North Carolina by providing access to community health education, while supplying corner stores with improved access to fresh and nutrient dense food items.
BASIC PROTOCALS
1: UNDERSTAND CORNER STORE ENVIRONMENT6
It is critical to understand the environment surrounding the local corner store. This includes the wants and needs of the targeted audience as well as the store owners in the community.
Conducting environmental assessments can assist with the focus of positive interventions.
FUTURE GOALS 6
Supportive collaborations and partnerships within local communities has the capacity to increase access of healthy, affordable foods in corner stores, which could lead to a potential eradication of food desert issues in Eastern North Carolina.
2: IDENTIFY AND OVERCOME BARRIER6
Cultural diversity in community settings are vary by location, and should be considered when implementing healthy initiatives.
Providing store owners with a variety of distribution channels for purchasing healthier food items.
Encouraging store owners reevaluate the store layout when introducing healthier items to customers.
REFERENCES
National Association of Convenience Stores – NACS. (2017). US Convent Store Count. Retrieved fromNACShttp://
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC. (2017). A Look Inside Food Deserts. Retrieved from
North Carolina Alliance for Health - NCAH. (n.d). Healthy Corner Store Initiative. Retrieved from
Food Empowerments Project. (2017). Food Deserts. Retrieved from
Pitts, S. B. J., Bringolf, K. R., Lawton, K. K., McGuirt, J. T., Wall-Bassett, E., Morgan, J., … Sharkey, J. R. (2013). Formative Evaluation for a Healthy Corner Store Initiative in Pitt County, North Carolina: Assessing the Rural Food Environment, Part 1. Preventing Chronic Disease, 10, E121.
United States Department of Agriculture: Food and Nutrition Services – USDA. (2017). Healthy Corner Stores Guide. Retrieved from
Eat Smart Move More North Carolina. (2017). Healthy Food Sold Here: A Guide to Providing Healthy Foods in Small Food Stores. Retrieved from
Blair, C. (2015). Food Deserts Implications in Health Outcomes. CFHE: Are you healthy? Retrieved from
PBS. (2011). The Socio-economic significant of food deserts. Retrieved from
Kim, C. (2015). Images.Retrieved from
3: IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL PARTNERS6
Corner store initiatives are resource intensive and require the support from an array of stakeholders.
Uniting various stakeholders on multiple levels could lead to increase buy-in for store owners, community residents, an increase availability of resources and expertise. On top of it all, could impact the overall success of the intervention.