Retail food environment around higher education institutions in a Brazilian metropolis

To analyze the retail food environment and identify the presence of food swamps around public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

This is an ecological study with the analysis unit being a 500-meter buffer network around 81 in-person HEI units. The density and proximity between the HEIs and food purchasing establishments for immediate consumption were assessed according to the administrative category and per capita income of the census tract, as well as the presence of food swamps.

In 98.76% of the buffers there was at least one establishment for immediate consumption. Snack bars, restaurants, and bars were the categories most available and closest to the HEIs. The density of establishments was higher around private HEIs and around HEIs located in higher income areas. It was found that 95.06% of HEIs were located in areas classified as food swamps.

Thus, the HEIs evaluated were exposed to neighborhoods with an unhealthy food environment, which may predispose university students to food choices based on the consumption of ultra-processed foods and alcoholic beverages.