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The role of the local retail food environment in fruit, vegetable and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Brazil

Equity Focus

This study targets the relationship between local food retailing and consumption of fruit and vegetables and sugar-sweetened beverages in São Paulo, Brazil.

Case Summary

The project examined the relationship between the local retail food environment and consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in São Paulo, Brazil, as well as the moderation effects of income in the studied relationships. For each participant, community (density and proximity) and community food environment (availability, variety, quality and price) measures of FV and SSB were assessed in retail food stores and specialized fresh produce markets within 1·6 km of their homes. FV availability in neighbourhoods was associated with regular FV consumption (≥5 times/week). Regular FV consumption prevalence was significantly lower among lower-income individuals living in neighbourhoods with fewer supermarkets and fresh produce markets. A greater variety of SSB was associated with a 15 % increase in regular SSB consumption (≥5 times/week) prevalence, after adjustment for confounding variables.

Lessons Learned

• The findings suggest that the local retail food environment is associated with fruits and vegetables and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in a Brazilian urban sample.

LINK TO CASE STUDY