MPM may influence fruit and vegetable access in low-income urban neighbourhoods by facilitating the five dimensions of access and may especially benefit older adults and individuals living alone.
In 2012, Springfield, MA received CDC funding to promote healthy behaviors and health equity via expansion of the LWS initiative. Strategies include: (1) opening a full‐line grocery store, (2) increasing access to fresh produce, (3) increasing pedestrian way usage, and (4) creating a comprehensive pedestrian/bicycle plan. While strategies are designed to impact the city, several neighborhoods were specifically targeted because of significant health disparities. A baseline survey was administered in summer 2013 to examine eating and activity behaviors, food access and acquisition, and neighborhood characteristics. A follow‐up survey was administered in fall 2014 and was available in multiple languages. Of the 280 baseline surveys, 45% were from targeted neighborhoods. These residents reported a higher proportion of people who take over an hour to get to a full‐line grocery and walk for transportation; a lower percentage of residents who feel safe; and more barriers to purchasing fresh produce than residents in surrounding neighborhoods. Although all of Springfield will benefit from increased awareness of healthy behaviors, access to healthy foods and opportunities for increased physical activity, this neighborhood‐level information will aid in focusing targeted interventions. Results will inform future city‐wide and neighborhood‐level policy advocacy, educational programming, and contribute to ongoing media campaigns.
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