Analysis of Availability, Quality, and Price of Food Options in Denver, CO Grocery Stores

Abstract

In certain areas in the United States low-income, non-white populations have less access to healthy foods. This lack of access can manifest itself with higher costs, lower quality, or less availability of healthy food options. Research has shown a correlation between health status and ethnic and/or income status, which is related to negative correlations in health disparities and dietary intake. This study examined the Denver area grocery stores to identify if any populations had significant differences in food cost, food availability, or food quality. Thirty stores were randomly selected from Denver and analyzed using Nutritional Environmental Measure Survey for Supermarkets (NEMS-S). Results showed no significant relationships between cost, availability, or quality and socioeconomic status or minority status. Large supermarkets had better prices of healthier food options, and of higher quality than small, ethnic markets. Further research should assess behavioral decisions by consumers in Denver.