A cross-cultural collaboration to improve healthy retail practices in tiendas : the Shop Healthy Iowa initiative

Abstract

"Chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affect Latinx populations as compared to white populations. For example, estimates suggest that Latinx individuals are 50 [percent] more likely to die from diabetes, they have higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension, and higher obesity rates compared to white populations. Latinx diets being low in fruits further exacerbates their risk of suffering from chronic diseases. Latinx households are more likely to be food insecure than white households and purchase more calorie-dense, high fat and sodium, and low fiber foods. Part of this insecurity is due to poor community nutrition environments with Latinx populations having low access to nutritious foods which increases health disparities in health outcomes and behaviors among these populations. To address these disparities, policy and environmental solutions need to address the low availability and affordability of healthy products in Latinx communities."--Background.