Neighborhood Environments: Disparities in Access to Healthy Foods in the U.S.

Published: January 2009

ID #: 1017

Journal: Am J Prev Med

Authors: Larson N, Story M, Nelson MC

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This comprehensive review examined 54 studies that evaluated neighborhood access to food outlets, the types of foods available in stores and restaurants, dietary information and weight status. The review found that individuals who have better access to supermarkets and limited access to fast-food restaurants tend to have healthier diets and lower rates of obesity. Individuals living in low-income, minority and rural neighborhoods are most often affected by poor access to supermarkets and healthful food while the availability of fast-food restaurants and high-fat, unhealthy foods tends to be greater in lower-income and minority neighborhoods.

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Keywords: Corner store, Fast food, Food outlet, Geographic information systems, Grocery store, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Rural, Supermarket, Urban

Focus Areas: Food Access, Food Retail

Resource Type: Journal Article

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