The hidden health cost of dollar store groceries
While consumers may save a few bucks on groceries at dollar stores, they end up paying a higher price with their health. New UC Riverside research shows a link between dollar store food quality and higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study from UC Riverside suggests that the seemingly low cost of groceries at dollar stores comes at a hidden health price. Researchers found a connection between the quality of food sold in dollar stores and higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, access to traditional grocery stores is linked to better health outcomes.
The study, published in BMC Public Health, looked at health data across the United States, accounting for factors like income and unemployment. Interestingly, the Census currently classifies dollar stores as general merchandise stores rather than grocery stores, leading to their exclusion from many studies on food consumption.
Ryan Bruellman, a UCR doctoral student and the lead author, began the research out of curiosity about unconventional grocery outlets. Using data from the CDC's 500 Cities Project, which covers major U.S. metropolitan areas, Bruellman analyzed the impact of these dollar stores on consumers' health.
Dollar stores, including brands like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, the 99 Cent Store, and Family Dollar, number over 34,000 in the U.S. Across the country, there are more dollar stores than traditional grocery stores. To understand this disparity, Bruellman used GIS mapping to determine the proximity of these dollar stores to residential areas, along with a social vulnerability index.
The results showed that dollar stores significantly impact consumer health, but this effect varied by region. In the South and Midwest, where the ratio of dollar stores to traditional grocery stores is roughly 50/50, the influence is greater. Additionally, in some cities like Philadelphia, the study couldn't fully capture the impact of smaller independent grocery stores like bodegas, which may mitigate some of the negative effects of dollar store shopping.
Bruellman emphasizes that it's not the price but the quality of food that drives health problems associated with buying from dollar stores. He suggests policymakers could explore various solutions, such as forming partnerships with local farmers to increase fresh produce options within dollar stores. Alternatively, cities could encourage more farmers markets and food banks, ideally closer to dollar stores to improve access to healthier food options.
Ultimately, Bruellman hopes this research will prompt lawmakers to consider expanding access to healthier food choices. He advocates for looking beyond traditional grocery stores as the sole source of food and emphasizes the importance of improving the availability of fresh, nutritious foods.
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