Developing a National Research Agenda to Support Healthy Food Retail

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Health Policy

Background:

• The food retail environment significantly influences consumer dietary choices.
• Understanding and modifying this environment is crucial for public health.
• Existing research needs a coordinated national agenda to guide future efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a national research agenda for the food retail environment.
• To identify effective policies and corporate practices promoting healthy food purchases.
• To guide research aimed at decreasing unhealthy food and beverage consumption.

Main Methods:

• A multi-step process including expert convening, commissioned research, and participant surveys.
• Development involved public health researchers, advocates, retailers, and funders.
• The process resulted in 37 research questions across ten priority areas.

Main Results:

• Ten priority research areas were identified, split between understanding the current environment/behavior and assessing interventions.
• Key topics include retailer promotion impacts and leveraging nutrition assistance programs.
• The agenda emphasizes partnerships, novel data sources, and diverse study designs for feasibility.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive research agenda is established to guide efforts in the food retail sector.
• This agenda aims to foster healthier food environments and purchasing behaviors.
• It serves as a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, retailers, and funders.