Availability of Healthful Foods in Rural Areas: A Challenge to Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Healthful eating is vital for the prevention and management of many chronic, diseases, which are often common among older adults. Older adults with limited resources, especially those in rural areas, face competing demands for medications, housing, and transportation. Consumption of a nutritious diet is encouraged; but in rural areas, little is known about the availability of healthy food options. Methods: An in-store, observational survey of major food categories (fruit, vegetables, dairy, meats/poultry/finfish, grains, and fats) was used to measure availability and variety of healthful food in all grocery (n=7), convenience (n=31), and discount stores (n=6) in two rural counties in Texas. Results: Grocery stores were more likely to offer fresh fruits and vegetables, lean-meat, and low-fat/skim milk products. Of the convenience stores, 38.7% did not offer fresh or canned fruit, 22.6% reduced fat milk, and 10% fresh or canned vegetables. Lean choices of lunch meats were not available in 28.6% of grocery stores, 64.5% of convenience stores, and 66.7% of discount stores. Variety within food categories varied greatly among the three different store types and between the two counties surveyed. Conclusions: Complete understanding of the food environment, especially in rural areas, requires knowledge of the availability and variety of healthful food in stores that are accessible to older adults.