LAUSR

Background Research suggests that low-income individuals consume fewer whole grains (WG) than their respective counterparts. Given the prevalence of corner stores in impoverished communities, innovative strategies are needed in order to encourage WG purchasing behaviors in these settings. Objective To examine the feasibility of pairing a WG snack (e.g., pretzels) with either a fruit or vegetable (FV) and a condiment and marketing this as a WG snack pack in New York City (NYC) corner stores that participate in a healthy retail program. Study Design, Settings, Participants Corner stores participating in the NYC City Harvest Healthy Retail Program were recruited. One time store-visits were conducted in order to examine: (a) the availability of WG snacks, FV, and condiments that could be paired together and sold as a WG snack pack (store audit) and (b) perceived motivators and concerns about selling WG snack packs (corner store representative survey). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Descriptive statistics were used to analyze cross-sectional store audit and survey data. Results On average, stores stocked four varieties of WG snacks, nine varieties of FV and two varieties of condiments. When asked “Do you currently sell any type of snack pack?” 11 representatives said yes. Among those who said no, nine representatives said that they would be interested and 10 said maybe. Store representatives reported several motivators (e.g., improving customers’ health, appealing to a new customer base) and concerns (e.g., lack of customer demand, fresh FV spoiling quickly) about selling WG snack packs. Additionally, representatives cited needing additional equipment and storage to sell WG snack packs. Conclusion Corners stores participating in the City Harvest Healthy Retail Program stock a variety of WG snacks, FV, and condiments that could be paired together and sold as a WG snack pack. While store representatives were receptive to selling WG snack packs, they may need additional support and resources. Funding USDA, Duke-UNC USDA Center for Behavioral Economics and Healthy Food Choice Research.