Refining the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) for Healthy Community Stores: Adaptations to Capture Alternative Food Retailers and Align with Dietary Guidelines

Alex B. Hill (), Ravneet Kaur, Samantha M. Sundermeir, Christina Kasprzak, Megan Winkler, Sara John, Rachael D. Dombrowski, Bree Bode and Joel Gittelsohn
Additional contact information
Alex B. Hill: Detroit Food Map Initiative and Department of Urban Studies and Planning, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Ravneet Kaur: Division of Health Research and Evaluation, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
Samantha M. Sundermeir: Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Christina Kasprzak: Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
Megan Winkler: Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Sara John: Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Rachael D. Dombrowski: Departments of Public Health and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health and Human Services, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92096, USA
Bree Bode: Division of Kinesiology, Heath and Sport Studies, College of Education, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Joel Gittelsohn: Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: Inadequate consumption of healthy food is an ongoing public health issue in the United States. Food availability measures of supply versus consumption of healthy foods are disconnected in many studies. There is a need for an objective assessment of the food environment in order to assess how the food supply aligns with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Data were collected as part of the Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project, including a refined Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Healthy Community Stores (NEMS-HCS) and an updated Healthy Food Availability Index that aligns with the Healthy Eating Index (HFAHEI). This paper will focus on the NEMS-HCS development process, findings, and HFAHEI application. All food items were more likely to be found at grocery stores rather than corner stores. Food pricing was often above the Consumer Price Index averages for six food items. The NEMS-HCS assessment better aligned with the HEI because it included a wider variety of meats, frozen fruits and vegetables, and an increased selection of whole grains. HFAHEI scoring was inclusive of non-traditional and alternative community stores with a health focus, making it suitable for use at the local level, especially in neighborhoods where supermarkets and large chain stores are less common.

Keywords: food access; healthy food retail; assessment; quantitative; index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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