Presence of Candy and Snack Food at Checkout in Chain Stores: Results of a Pilot Study

Abstract

Community health professionals must use multiple strategies to address the rising rates of childhood obesity in the United States. One such strategy is to address the underlying causes of childhood obesity, including lack of exercise and the consumption of calorically-dense snack foods. This study examines the presence of candy and snack food in the checkout lines of all retail chain stores in a selected community to determine the presence of these products, the ways in which these products are promoted, and the type of physical environment through which customers navigate during the checkout process. The findings confirm that candy, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream were present in a large majority of these retail stores. Further, this pilot study found that many of these stores "corral" customers through the check-out line in such a way that it is necessary to pass these snack foods directly. Three themes for discussion emerged from the review of the data collected, including product marketing, product packaging, and product placement. Implications for childhood health are presented in the context of these marketing strategies. The results and subsequent discussion provide important insight into the ways in which the presence of candy and snack food at checkout lines might contribute to childhood obesity rates.

The Development and Public Health Implications of Food Preferences in Children

“…Corner stores and fast food outlets are especially concentrated in these neighborhoods, while residents have less access to grocery stores and supermarkets ( 42 , 43 ). Even checkout areas of many non-food retail outlets, such as clothing stores, frequently feature unhealthy foods ( 44 ). Children typically start requesting their parents buy certain products at 24 months old; 76% of the time this happens in a supermarket and 77% of first requests are for cereal or sweet snacks ( 45 ).…”

Unexpected Neighborhood Sources of Food and Drink: Implications for Research and Community Health

“…9 Other work has examined food/drink availability at check-out counters in a variety of storefront retail. 10–12 Taken together, these studies suggest pervasive availability, especially of less-healthful energy-dense convenience items (e.g., candy, cookies, chips, and soda).…”

“…Although some research has considered a range of food/drink offerings through local retail, including healthful items like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk, 6,8,10 few studies have focused specifically on healthful fare. 4,5,7 It is common for research only to focus on less-healthful offerings 9,12 or only to focus on very select storefronts. 4–8,10…”

“…For instance, if healthful items are widely available, selectively ignoring certain sources may result in incorrect determinations of food deserts (neighborhoods without access to healthful food) and in misdirected efforts to address gaps that do not exist. Likewise, if less-healthful items are more ubiquitous than generally appreciated, 6,8–10,12 selective strategies to restrict availability might miss the most important sources to target. The whole problem of food swamps (areas in which less-healthful-food sources exceed healthier options) 13,14 might be understated and go unaddressed.…”

When food isn't medicine - A challenge for physicians and health systems

“…There is simply more food available in more places, and more of it is just plain unhealthful (think candy at the register, vending machines offering sodas, chips in the checkout aisle, etc.) ( Lucan et al, 2016 ; Wright et al, 2015 ; Basch et al, 2016 ).…”