Abstract

Food Purchases for a Healthy Diet, San Diego County, California.
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: ISABEL CORCOS, Leslie Ray, Alicia Sampson, Susan Farrish

Household food purchases by census tracts were analyzed as components of the USDA MyPlate dietary recommendations, which include low fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and minimal "empty calories. Data were mapped and evaluated for spatial differences and compared to community infrastructure and public health data.

Consumer expenditure data was obtained from ESRI and converted to amounts (kg) purchased using the USDA Quarterly Food-at-home Price Database. Data were analyzed for differences proportionate to total food budget. Foods were categorized to evaluate how closely the foods purchased matched dietary recommendations.

Household food purchases differed dramatically in dollars spent by geographic area and socioeconomic variables, but are nearly identical when evaluated as proportions of the total food budget. Regardless of place, purchases include more than recommended amounts of protein, too few whole grains, and far too many empty calories. These results are baseline indicators for a 10 year health strategy.