Strengthening Vendor Standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Are Healthier Foods Within Reach?

Millions of Americans currently live in low income communities without convenient access to supermarkets and their abundant selection of healthier food options. Supermarkets are more frequently located in middle income and higher income neighborhoods as well as in predominantly white communities. Due to these disparities in supermarket siting, individuals who live in low income or minority communities often depend on nearby convenience stores and other retailers to supplement their primary food shopping. These stores tend to carry a limited range of products and frequently exclude options like whole grain breads, perishable fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and low fat dairy products.