Healthy Stores Initiative Associated with Produce Purchasing on Navajo Nation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• American Indians and Alaska Natives face significant diet-related health disparities.
• The Navajo Nation experiences unique challenges in accessing healthy food due to its history and remote location.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Healthy Navajo Stores Initiative (HNSI) on fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviors within the Navajo Nation.
• To identify factors influencing healthy food access in a tribal community.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of 692 customers across 28 stores on Navajo Nation.
• Collected data on sociodemographics, household factors, and food purchasing habits.
• Utilized chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression to analyze purchasing patterns.

Main Results:

• Stores participating in the HNSI showed significantly higher produce purchasing rates (150% increased odds).
• Customers at grocery stores had 520% higher odds of buying produce compared to convenience stores.
• Customers at trading posts had 120% higher odds of buying produce than at convenience stores.

Conclusions:

• The HNSI effectively increased produce purchasing in participating stores.
• Store type significantly influences fruit and vegetable purchasing, with grocery stores and trading posts being more effective than convenience stores.
• Findings offer valuable insights for improving food access in rural tribal communities.