Comparison of food prices in the US Affiliated Pacific Region based on the 2002 USDA Food Security Toolkit and the Thrifty Food Plan

Abstract

Food prices are a determinant of food security, particularly in low‐income households. The Children's' Healthy Living Program (CHL) conducted the first US Affiliated Pacific Region (USAPR) wide food cost survey based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan. We sought to establish the cost and availability of market foods among the USAPR. The weekly cost of food for a family of four with school age children was estimated based on the 2002 USDA Food Security Toolkit. Up to three stores were surveyed in communities of Alaska, America Samoa, CNMI, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau in a two week period in March 2014. 87 food items were priced across 9 food categories. Weekly food costs ranged from $326 in Rota, CNMI, to $168 in Anchorage, Alaska, with a mean of $316 (38.2). Food prices variation was greatest among dairy foods while fruits showed the least. Dairy comprised less than 7% of the total food costs for Hawaii and Alaska communities, but greater than 11% of the weekly food costs in the other USAPR communities. For several USAPR island communities, certain Thrifty Food Plan items were unavailable or exceptionally expensive (bagels, 1% milk). A more complete understanding of costs and their role in food security will require additional information such as income, utilities, housing, education and healthcare. Our results can contribute to locally adapted thrifty menus.