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Title: LOW WHOLE GRAIN FOOD AVAILABILITY IN THREE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA COMMUNITIES

Author
item Staggs, Cathleen
item McCabe Sellers, Beverly
item Thompson, Victoria
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2006
Publication Date: 3/6/2006
Citation: Staggs, C.G., McCabe Sellers, B.J., Thompson, V.J., Bogle, M.L. 2006. Low whole grain food availability in three Lower Mississippi Delta communities [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 20(4):A599.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The 2005 Dietary Guidelines of Americans (DGA) necessitates a closer look at healthy food availability in rural USA. Assessing availability of healthy foods is an important first step for consumer choices. A key DGA message is to choose whole grain foods. Any recommendation to increase consumption needs to consider availability. Diets rich in dietary fiber have been strongly associated with lowering risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, which have increased prevalence in the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD). Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (NIRI) surveyed 225 delta Food stores (supermarkets, small-medium, and convenient) in Arkansas (77), Mississippi (90), and Louisiana (58). Oatmeal, the most available whole grain product, was found in less than half (49%) of the stores; while whole wheat bread and toasted oats were available in only 23% and 37%, respectively. Current 2005 research illustrates much less availability for smaller LMD communities with few or no supermarkets. Without a change in availability, the likelihood of this population purchasing whole grain products is small. Decreasing the prevalence of chronic disease and making healthier food choices are significant public health campaigns that must include improving food availability in the rural South.