Fruit and Vegetable Intake of US Hispanics by Food Store Type: Findings from NHANES.

This study examined fruit and vegetable intake by food store type shopped among US Hispanics. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 data, T test and chi-square tests examined differences between Hispanic consumers by food store type. Negative binomial regression analyses estimated associations between fruit and vegetable intake and food store type. Hispanics who only purchased fruits and vegetables from convenience stores were younger and more likely US born. They reported lower intakes of fruit and vegetables than individuals who purchased these foods from supermarket/grocery stores. Those who primarily purchased fruits and vegetables from supermarkets/grocery stores consumed 0.92 (p < .001) greater fruit cup equivalents and 0.26 (p = .001) greater vegetable cup equivalents than those who only purchased from convenience stores. Research on the influence of shopping in multiple food store types is needed to develop targeted in-store intervention strategies to encourage healthier food purchases. Results provide support for policy-level research such as minimum stocking requirements for healthy foods in convenience stores.

What influences Latino grocery shopping behavior? Perspectives on the small food store environment from managers and employees in San Diego, California.

To inform the design of a multilevel in-store intervention, this qualitative study utilized in-depth semistructured interviews with 28 managers and 10 employees of small-to-medium-sized Latino food stores (tiendas) in San Diego, California, to identify factors within the tienda that may influence Latino customers' grocery-shopping experiences and behaviors. Qualitative data analysis, guided by grounded theory, was performed using open coding. Results suggest that future interventions should focus on the physical (i.e., built structures) and social (i.e., economic and sociocultural) dimensions of store environments, including areas where the two dimensions interact, to promote the purchase of healthy food among customers.