Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed) activities to increase the accessibility of fruits and vegetables: Small grocery stores

INTRODUCTION: Encompassing 88 cities, Los Angeles (LA) County reports disparities in obesity rates that vary greatly by place of residence. Among children, obesity rates range from 4% in affluent Manhattan Beach, to over 40% in working-class Irwindale. Recognizing the need to address environmental risk factors for obesity, the LA County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has supported a number of initiatives to increase access to healthy foods, limit availability of unhealthy foods, and provide increased opportunities for physical activity. METHODS: We recently conducted an intercept survey of about 800 patrons of 13 small grocery stores that have been attempting to carry healthier foods under an initiative that is partially supported by LACDPH with funding from the educational component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed). The objective was to describe the socio-demographic and food purchasing characteristics of store patrons, and examine patrons’ perceptions of the store environment as well as the early impact of SNAP-Ed nutrition education messages on eating behaviors.  RESULTS: About 76% of respondents were Latino, 10% were Black, 67% were born outside the United States, 80% had no more than a high school education, and 59% spoke Spanish. When shown images of SNAP-Ed health promotion materials, 34%- 54% responded they had seen the materials, and 13-35% indicated these materials were likely to have changed what they ate/drank. DISCUSSION: Patrons’ perceptions of store environment changes and socio-demographic differences in the perceived impact of SNAP-Ed nutrition messages on eating behaviors will be presented. Implications for programming will be discussed.