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Purchasing behaviors of individuals who shop at corner stores (1019.6)

Background. The Jackson County MO Healthy Corner Store Initiative is designed to work with small retail establishments to increase healthy food availability where residents have limited access to full line grocery stores. As part of this initiative, we assessed the purchasing habits of individuals who frequent one of four neighborhood corner stores. Method. Intercept surveys were administered during 28 two‐hour sessions and 2 four‐hour sessions. Survey sessions were held early morning, mid‐day and late afternoon over a 2‐week period. Participants were asked to indicate age, gender, transportation mode, food purchase frequency, typical items purchased, perceived healthiness of food items available, what influenced purchase decisions, and what items they purchased that day. Results. 446 surveys were completed. Most participants were greater than 18 years old (88%), male (61%) and drove a car or truck to the store. About 36% reported visiting corner stores daily. Most participants purchased snack items (59%) and felt that available food items were somewhat healthy (38%). Chips (17%), regular soda (25%), alcohol (15%) and tobacco (14%) were common items purchased. Almost 50% of participants reported to be very interested in healthier food options while about 23% felt that prices of healthy food items were comparable to other stores. 44% indicated variety would be the most important factor when deciding to purchase healthy foods. Discussion. Intercept survey results provided insight about buying habits and what changes might be possible to increase healthier food purchases. Education about healthy food choices will be an important factor when implementing the Healthy Corner Store Initiative.