Availability of snacks, candy and beverages in hospital, community clinic and commercial pharmacies

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to measure the availability of energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in pharmacies and to examine differences by pharmacy type and presence of a food policy. Design: Trained research staff visited pharmacies (n 37) to measure shelf space and variety of snacks, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages available within 10 ft (3.05 m) of the pharmacy register. Setting: Community clinic, hospital and commercial pharmacies in Minneapolis, MN, USA. Subjects: Employees were interviewed regarding pharmacy food policies. Results: Approximately 60% of pharmacies had foods and/or sugar-sweetened beverages available for purchase within 10 ft (3.05 m) of the pharmacy register. Total shelf space (P = 0.02) and variety (P = 0.0003) differed significantly by pharmacy type and were greatest among community clinic pharmacies. Over half of pharmacies had no food policy (58.3%). Pharmacies with food policies were less likely to have foods/beverages available within 10 ft (3.05 m) of the pharmacy register than pharmacies with no food policies (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Candy, snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages are highly available in the pharmacy environment. Presence of a policy is associated with less food availability within 10 ft (3.05 m) of the pharmacy register and represents an important potential intervention strategy.