An integrative literature review of small food store research across urban and rural communities in the U.S.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to identify how rural and urban food access differs across small food stores as well as the types of research strategies and methodologies that have been applied in each setting in the U.S.MethodsManuscripts were included in the review if they were published in English over the past ten years, with a clear delineation between urban and/or rural, conducted in the U.S., and reported data from small food store research.ResultsAfter elimination, 19 manuscripts representing rural (n = 5) and urban (n = 14) settings were included in the final review. The review was conducted in Nebraska between January 2015 and May 2015. Findings from the reviewed manuscripts revealed that rural communities might face different challenges with healthy food access in small food stores when compared to urban settings. In particular, small food stores in rural areas lacked healthy food options largely because storeowners perceived that their customers would not purchase healthier items and due to challenges with distribution. Conversely, studies reporting on small food stores in urban areas suggest challenges with transportation and safety concerns.ConclusionResearch on small food stores is nascent and further research, especially intervention studies, is needed. Further, less evidence exists on healthy food access, in particular intervention testing on small food store research in rural areas.

An introduction to the healthy corner store intervention model in Canada

“…In the United States, where the intervention originated, policy-11 and practitioner-10 oriented resources as well as population health literature [12][13][14][15][16] have emerged in the last five years, catalyzed by the US Federal Healthy Food Financing Initiative. 17 Interventions have been led intersectorally by public health, community food security, and economic development practitioners, and require a dedicated investment by store owners.…”

“…Funding models range from purely publicly-funded to social enterprise formats, but in most cases comprise a blend of in-kind investments by not-for-profit actors into a for-profit business, to support "conversion" of the business into one that is more viable, and health-promoting, broadly defined. Most have been implemented in urban settings; 16 related interventions in remote Indigenous community stores in Canada 18 and Australia 19 are also instructive.…”

“…The evidence suggests that corner store interventions can improve food availability, 12,16,20 and garner strong intersectoral and community support. 10,12,16 Related mixed retail interventions (not explicitly "healthy corner stores"), including availability, pricing and education, have increased healthy food purchasing and consumption.…”

“…10,12,16 Related mixed retail interventions (not explicitly "healthy corner stores"), including availability, pricing and education, have increased healthy food purchasing and consumption. 18,19 Reviews of corner store research suggest areas for methodological improvement; 12,16 newer intervention studies 14,15,19,21 have prioritized causal evaluation, and use of objective sales data to measure impact. Of note, financial performance indicators have rarely been measured in public health retail studies, despite their importance for business.…”

Adults with diabetes residing in “food swamps” have higher hospitalization rates

“…Further, we examine whether or not the food swamp‐hospitalization rate relationship varies in urban and rural counties. Urban and rural areas differ markedly in their transportation resources and the types of retail outlets that choose to locate within them . It is, therefore, possible that the association is stronger in rural areas, where supermarkets and robust public transportation systems that facilitate access are lacking.…”