Project Description Narrative:
Recent data demonstrate the critical need for strategies that address obesity and chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition in urban community. In Wisconsin, the need is reflected in both statewide and local data. Statewide, 59% of African-Americans were physically inactive and 70% were reported as overweight or obese.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Minority Report, 73% of African Americans in Wisconsin live in the urban city of Milwaukee. According to the Milwaukee Health Report, 58% of people living in lower socioeconomic status areas of Milwaukee are physically inactive, 31% are obese, and 70% report inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. In one targeted neighborhood, the Lindsay Heights neighborhood of the city, an over-reliance on high-price, low-nutrition convenience products and fast food contribute to the health risk of residents. Of the neighborhood’s 45 retail food outlets, the greatest number were convenience stores or gas stations (40%) followed by fast food restaurants (16%). Over 65% of the neighborhood retail food outlets offered no fresh produce.
Nationally, corner store interventions have emerged as a critical factor in improving the food environment. To address healthy food availability and engage store owners, project partners aim to establish a Healthy Corner Stores Initiative that will maximize health benefits for residents by promoting healthy food access while maximizing economic benefits for store owners.
Community partners: City of Milwaukee Health Department, Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Health Alliance
Additional MCW academic partners: Melissa DeNomie, MS, Family and Community Medicine