Urban 'Corner Stores' Can Contribue to Childhood Obesity

The easy availability of low-nutrition snacks may contribute to childhood obesity in minority and low-income communities. In the study, “Snacking in Children: The Role of Urban Corner Stores,” researchers conducted more than 800 interviews on children in grades 4 through 6, from 10 urban elementary schools in which half or more of the students receive free or reduced-price meals. The students were interviewed outside 24 corner convenience stores before and after school. The study found that the most frequently purchased items were high-calorie, low-nutrition foods such as chips, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages. On average, each student spent $1.07 for two food or beverage items, with almost 360 calories. The study authors recommend that nutrition and obesity prevention efforts address neighborhood convenience stores and their proximity to schools.