PCD News Summary for August 24, 2017
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Association Between Food Distress and Smoking Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adults, Schenectady, New York, 2013–2014
A University of Albany study found that food distress – food and nutrition inadequacy ranging from poor dietary behavior and food insecurity to lack of access to healthy food – was independently associated with smoking. Researchers analyzed data collected in 2013 and 2014 from a health interview survey and a food-environment assessment in Schenectady, New York. Analysis revealed that consuming zero or one serving of fruits and vegetables daily more than doubled the odds of smoking, compared with consuming five or more servings. Food insecurity, receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, using a food pantry, living in a neighborhood with low access to healthy food, and frequent food shopping at a store with limited healthy food choices were also associated with significantly higher odds of smoking.
Melissa Newton
mnewton@cdc.gov
404-718-6281
Availability of Low-Fat Milk and Produce in Small and Mid-Sized Grocery Stores After 2014 WIC Final Rule Changes, Tennessee
The availability of low-fat milk and variety of fresh vegetables increased in small and mid-sized Tennessee grocery stores as a result of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 2007 Interim Rule. Researchers compared the percentage of shelf space for low-fat and nonfat milk and the number of fresh fruit and vegetable varieties in stock before and after the WIC-mandated changes to food packages. Data were collected on 18 small and mid-sized WIC-authorized grocery stores in Nashville, Tennessee. The average percentage of shelf space occupied by low-fat and nonfat milk increased from 2.5 percent to 14.4 percent, primarily because of an increase in the amount of low-fat milk. The average number of fresh fruit and vegetable varieties increased from 24.3 to 27.7, with a significant increase for vegetables but not fruit.
Melissa Newton
mnewton@cdc.gov
404-718-6281
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