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Title: MILK AVAILABILITY IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA

Author
item Staggs, Cathleen
item McCabe Sellers, Beverly
item YADRICK, KATHY - DELTA NIRI
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2004
Publication Date: 4/2/2005
Citation: Staggs, C.G., McCabe Sellers, B.J., Yadrick, K., Bogle, M.L. 2005. Milk availability in the lower Mississippi Delta. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 19(5):A-1020. Abstract 594-4.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A 2004 Surgeon General's report states that bone health status for Americans, especially for minorities, underserved and rural populations, is in jeopardy. The Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) is highly representative of at-risk populations for osteoporosis and for obesity. Consumption of reduced-fat milk (RFM) (1-2%) or non-fat milk (NFM)is thought to be inversely related to obesity. This study examined the availability of various types of milk in a 36-county area in the LMD by an in-store survey of a representative sample of small to medium size grocery stores (n=77), convenience stores (n=86), and supermarkets (n=62). Less than one-fourth (21%) had NF milk and approximately one-half (54%) of stores (n=225) had RF milk. Whole milk was available at 94% of total stores. NFM was available in 29% (n= 58) of Louisiana stores but only in 18% (n= 77) and 19% (n=90) in Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively. Without a change in availability, the likelihood of rural community shoppers purchasing NF or RF milk may be small. These findings are consistent with other milk surveys in rural central Arkansas. Bone health is ideally suited to a public health promotion, but increased availability of low-fat milk products will need to be part of any LMD campaign to promote better bone health and healthy weights. Supported by USDA, ARS Project #6251-53000-004-00D.