O7 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Availability and Cost in SNAP-participating Retail Stores in Mississippi: Differences by Rurality

Abstract

Background Access to healthy, affordable food is an environmental factor that can influence food security. Research suggests healthy food availability varies by store type, rurality/urbanicity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, and sociodemographic characteristics. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in variety and cost of fresh fruits and vegetables in convenience stores, grocery stores, and supermarkets in Mississippi across Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs). Study Design, Setting, Participants A survey design was used to collect data in 461 convenience stores, grocery stores, and supermarkets. Trained surveyors (Extension county agents, Extension nutrition educators, and research team members) selected an assigned number of SNAP-participating stores by county to represent food availability across Mississippi. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Availability and cost data were collected using an adapted version of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey-Corner Store (NEMS-CS). Metro areas were defined as those with RUCCs of 1 to 3, while non-metro areas were defined as those with RUCCs of 4 to 9. Independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare means in metro vs non-metro areas within store types. Results Variety of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables was greater in non-metro vs metro areas in convenience and grocery stores but not supermarkets. Cost of 6 most commonly available fruits and vegetables was similar within store types when comparing metro vs non-metro areas. Conclusion Elucidation of food availability patterns in retailers serving SNAP clients is important for planning outreach efforts. Smaller retailers may be important partners and could be a setting for SNAP-Education social marketing messages encouraging healthy food selection behaviors. Involving agents and educators in data collection and in building shared goals with local food retailers may be a promising strategy for improving purchase and consumption of healthy foods in Mississippi. Funding Mississippi State University Extension.