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Title: "'GOT MILK?' WE DO!" THE CHANGING FACE OF WHERE RURAL AMERICA SHOPS FOR FOOD

Author
item McCabe Sellers, Beverly
item Staggs, Cathleen
item CRAWFORD, T - LSU AGCENTER
item Wallace, Rachel
item Talbot, Judson
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: McCabe-Sellers, B.J., Staggs, C.G., Crawford, T., Wallace, R.L., Talbot, J.C., Bogle, M.L. 2005. "'Got Milk?' We Do!" The changing face of where rural America shops for food [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 19(5):A1697.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 2001 a representative sample of 225 supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores in the Lower Mississippi Delta region was surveyed for food basket item availability, store quality, and item prices. Locating stores by telephone directories and windshield tour revealed a steady loss of traditional stores in rural areas, reflecting a shift from supermarket to supercenter and from convenience stores to small discount stores. A pilot study of food shopping options to complement the original survey was conducted in Franklin Parish, Louisiana in Summer, 2004 examining if small discount 'dollar' stores were significant sources of 11 basic food items. Out of 29 stores in the parish, 4 were 'dollar' stores not previously considered important in food purchasing. Nine stores carried all items, including 2 'dollar' stores and one supercenter. The most common missing item in all types of stores (n=9) was nonfat milk. Recent trends include rapid expansion of low-end discount stores in rural communities with addition of fresh milk products, bread and some fruit items. The 'dollar' discount stores offer mainly canned (fruits, vegetables, meat and fish) and boxed food with only one or two brand choices but at lower prices than food-gas convenience stores. Discount 'dollar' stores are becoming significant food purchasing sites. Future food surveys need to recognize these new food markets in rural and low income urban areas. Supported by USDA, ARS Project #6251-53000-004-00D.