Food Supply Adequacy in the Lower Mississippi Delta
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2007
Department
Nutrition and Food Systems
Abstract
Objective: To assess food supply adequacy within 3 food store types in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Design: Regional food store survey to determine availability and quality of 102 food items in 62 supermarkets, 77 small/medium stores, and 86 convenience stores. Setting: Lower Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Participants: 225 food stores in 18 counties. Main Outcome Measures: Percentage of Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) food items available and quality ratings of 6 food sections across store types. Results: On average, supermarkets carried 96% of the items that compose the TFP. Mean percentage of TFP carried in small/medium stores was 50%. Convenience stores carried 28% of the TFP items. Supermarkets had higher overall quality ratings and quality ratings for fresh and frozen foods compared to small/medium and convenience stores (P <.01). Implications for Research and Practice: Although supermarkets carried a large percentage of items surveyed, the number of supermarkets in this region is limited. Community residents with limited transportation to reach supermarkets may experience limited food supply adequacy. Therefore, community-based nutrition interventions should include partnerships with small/medium food retailers while trying to impact residents' food choices within those stores.
Publication Title
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume
39
Issue
2
First Page
77
Last Page
83
Recommended Citation
Connell, C. L.,
Yadrick, M. K.,
Simpson, P.,
Gossett, J.,
McGee, B. B.,
Bogle, M. L.
(2007). Food Supply Adequacy in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 39(2), 77-83.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2065