The Availability of Healthy Food Options in Fast Food Outlets in Six Rural Counties

Abstract

Background: The environment in which an individual lives can play a role in food choice as food selection may be limited to those readily available. Rural environments, in particular, may have less availability to healthy foods due to unique characteristics of these areas. Fast foods may be present in rural areas but the number of healthy options at restaurants and other food outlets may be limited. Methods: Using food outlets identified in the Brazos Valley Food Environment Project, marketing of fast food items and data on the type and number of healthy menu options were surveyed and compared with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. Results: 222 fast food outlets were identified within 6 rural counties; 98 were primarily fast foods, 112 were convenience stores with fast food, and 12 were grocery stores with fast food. Healthy options for breakfast meals were available in 22.4% of fast food stores, 8.9% of convenience stores, and 50% of grocery stores. Healthy options for lunch entrees were available at 67.3% of fast food stores, 35.7% of convenience stores, and 75% of grocery stores. The types of healthy options varied among stores. When compared to other fast food outlets, national chain fast food stores were more likely to offer healthy options. Conclusions: Analyzing healthy options from fast food stores only may exclude outlets that are the predominant sources of fast food in rural areas. Additionally, healthy options are more likely to be found in national chain restaurants but the majority of fast food outlets are not national chains.