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Encore Abstract Poster Session 2

(EA02-14-25) Transportation Access and Store Selection: Implications for Food Security and Dietary Quality in Detroit

Sunday, June 1, 2025
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM ET
Location: Poster Board D-74

    Presenting Author(s)

  • AK

    Aeneas Koosis, MS

    PhD Student
    Wayne State University - Detroit, MI
    DETROIT, Michigan, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AB

    Alyssa Beavers

    Wayne State University - Detroit, MI, Michigan, United States

  • AH

    Alex Hill

    Wayne State University, United States

Disclosure(s):
Aeneas Koosis, MS: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Scientific conference where the work was recently presented: Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior International Conference 2024

Date on which the work was previously presented at the scientific conference listed: July 29, 2024

Objectives: To explore the relationship between type of grocery store used (chain vs. independent), transportation access, food insecurity, and fruit and vegetable intake in Detroit, Michigan, USA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult Detroit residents (≥18 years) from December 2021 to May 2022. After excluding incomplete responses, our final sample included 656 participants. Demographics collected included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and income. Food security was assessed using the USDA's six-item household food security module. We categorized participants' primary grocery stores by location (inside/outside Detroit) and type (chain/independent). Fruit and vegetable consumption was measured using the National Cancer Institute's Dietary Screener. Open-ended questions captured participants' experiences regarding household food needs.

Results: Bivariate analyses showed chain store shoppers reported greater fruit/vegetable intake (2.42 vs. 2.14 times/day, p< 0.001) and lower food insecurity (45.9% vs. 65.3%, p< 0.001) than independent store shoppers. Fewer independent shoppers used personal vehicles (53% vs. 76.2%, p< 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, transportation access strongly predicted chain store shopping (OR=1.96, 95%CI[1.27,3.02], p=0.002), but food insecurity wasn't associated with store type. Chain shopping predicted higher fruit/vegetable intake (β=0.166, p=0.037). Qualitative responses highlighted poor food quality, high costs, and limited transportation as barriers exacerbating inequities.

Conclusions: These disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve transportation options and support food security in vulnerable populations, particularly in urban areas like Detroit. Addressing these structural challenges is essential for reducing food insecurity and promoting equitable access to nutritious foods.

Funding Sources: United Way of Southeastern Michigan