Individual behavior to make healthy choices can occur only in a supportive environment with accessible and affordable healthy food choices. This article presents an overview of food environments and strategies for creating healthy eating environments. An ecological framework is presented for conceptualizing the many food environments and conditions that influence food choices, followed by a discussion of key environmental factors organized by specific settings—home, child care, schools, worksites, retail food stores, and restaurants—as well as broader macro-level issues such as U.S. food and agriculture policy and food marketing. Issues of disparities in food access for lower-income and racial and ethnic minority groups are highlighted. Measurement and evaluation issues in conducting environmental and policy research and surveillance in various settings are also discussed.
Published: April 2008
ID #: 1081
Journal: Annu Rev Public Health
Authors: Story M, Kaphingst KM, Robinson-O’Brien R, Glanz K
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Commodity foods, Competitive foods, Food advertising, Food outlet, Grocery store, Home, Media, Nutrition standards, Restaurant, School meal programs, Supermarket
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Food Access, Food Marketing, Nutrition Policy & Programs, Pricing & Economics, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
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