Assessing the Nutrition Environments in the Southern Quadrant Area in Jackson, Mississippi

The research assessed the availability, quality, and price of healthy and less healthy foods in grocery stores and convenience stores in a low wealth urban area in south Jackson. Using the Nutrition Environment Measurement Survey (NEMS), seven grocery stores and two corner stores were selected for evaluation of the area’s nutrition environment. The sample was selected from a larger number of stores located in Hinds County, Jackson Metropolitan Area. Findings from the study showed that most stores sold healthier alternatives in beverages, such as low fat milk, fruit juice, and diet sodas. However, the healthier alternatives were generally costly. Less healthy options in meats with higher percentages of fat, frozen dinners, and whole milk were popular foods and available in a majority of stores. The study concludes that the need exists for improving the availability of healthier foods in low wealth communities.