Cross-Sectional Food Environment Observations Conducted for Small Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Authorized Retailers in Pinellas County, Florida, Suggest Limited Availability and High Cost of Some Healthful Food Items

We assessed store-level food availability, quality, variety, depth of stock, and cost at small Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized retailers and compared stocking patterns to proposed United States Department of Agriculture criteria. Food environment observations were conducted at 82 retailers from June to December 2019 in Pinellas County, Florida, and descriptively analyzed. Less than one-third of retailers stocked frozen fruit, fresh or frozen vegetables, tortillas, whole-wheat bread, low-fat milk, fresh or frozen meat, fish or meat alternatives, dried beans, or healthier frozen meals. Twenty-two and 26% had at least seven SNAP-eligible varieties of fruits and vegetables and protein products, respectively.

Automated summary

This study assessed the food availability at small SNAP-authorized retailers in Pinellas County, Florida, and compared it to USDA criteria. The findings showed that less than one-third of retailers stocked a variety of healthy food items, and only a small percentage had a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and protein products that are eligible for SNAP.