title: Elements of Access: The Effects of Food Outlet Proximity, Transportation, and Realized Access on Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Food Deserts.
abstract: This study surveys 900 supplemental nutrition assistance program recipient or eligible households and 300 supplemental nutrition assistance program ineligible households in local food deserts to identify the effects of different dimensions of access on fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) consumption. While proximity and access to one's own car were not significant predictors of FFV consumption, realized access to nonsupermarket outlets did have a positive effect on fresh vegetable consumption. Among food insecure respondents, limited car access had a negative effect on FFV consumption. This research underlines the importance of focusing on dimensions of access other than proximity when considering interventions designed to improve nutrition and health outcomes in food deserts.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Strome
authors.affiliation: 2 Florida Survey Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Johns
authors.affiliation: 2 Florida Survey Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Scicchitano
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shelnutt
keywords: built environment; farmers’ markets; food desert; fresh fruits and vegetables; realized access; supplemental nutrition assistance program