A characterization of healthy and unhealthy neighbourhood –level food access, availability, and quality, and dietary intake of children in a mid-sized Canadian city

This multi-phase three-year study characterized the food environment for families with children in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, a city of about 230,000 residents. This is one of the first studies in Canada to characterize the food environment for an entire mid-sized city. First we used Geographic Information Systems to conduct a spatial analysis of all food stores and restaurants in all residential neighborhoods. Second, we undertook a characterization of the availability of healthy foods in all grocery and convenience stores and restaurants using a standardized measurement tool of 10 indicator foods (Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores and Restaurants). Third, we administered a dietary assessment tool (YAQ from the Harvard School of Public Health) and collected height and weight information from 1467 children aged 10-14 years in 61 residential neighborhoods. Finally we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews and photovoice with parents and children to gain an understanding of their perceptions of the food environment. We analyzed the relationships between food environment characteristics, diet and BMI data in order to build a comprehensive understanding of the food environment in one mid-sized Canadian city for families with children. This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.