Sources of food ready to consume around the Health Academy Program units: an analysis according to inequality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to spatially examine the distribution of establishments for the acquisition of food that is ready to consume around the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (IDH-M).This is an ecological study with the PAS as the unit of analysis. The establishments contained in a circular buffer with a radius of 900 meters from the 77 units of the PAS in operation were evaluated. Address and type of establishment data were obtained from a public list and verified in a virtual audit. Thematic kernel maps were used. A total of 3,050 establishments were identified around the PAS units. Higher densities were observed around units located in the city’s south-central region and in areas with high and very high IDH-M. There was a high density of establishments selling ready-to-consume foods around the PAS units, especially in the wealthier parts of the city. These results are useful in supporting the planning of actions aimed at strengthening the PAS as a promoter of healthy eating environments. Further, it reinforces the need for equitable public policies for supply and regulation, aiming to promote access to adequate and healthy food for all.