Low-income respondents’ perceptions about food retail and food pantry shopping environments

A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted with adult participants from Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program class series (n = 194) to assess respondents’ perceptions about their primary grocery store and food pantry environments that are potentially influential in obtaining fruits and vegetables (F&V). Survey design followed the Model of Community Nutrition Environments. Perceived availability, access, and affordability of F&V in the retail environment were assessed including factors potentially influencing greater purchase of F&V. The survey sample included respondents from diverse ethnic/racial groups. Findings provide guidance to retail and food pantry partners for promoting healthier choices in ways meaningful to respondents.