The Latino Tienda as Food Oasis not Food Desert
Authors: Palmer Shelly M. , Winham Donna M. , Baier Jenny L. , Roe Taylor A 
Published: November 2023

Residents in Latino neighborhoods may feel they are living in a food “desert with limited access to healthy, affordable, and nutritious foods. In fact, some research suggests customers will shop at large chain supermarkets that offer perceived better quality, greater variety, and lower prices for foods if they can. Poor diet, limited access to healthy foods, and low fruit and vegetable intakes increase chronic disease risk and obesity among low‐income groups, including Latinos. However, few studies have examined the contents of Latino markets or tiendas. Unlike chain grocery stores, tiendas rarely have computerized records of their inventory, and little research has looked at what they actually sell. The study purpose was to describe the availability of different culturally specific food types in tiendas around Iowa – a state with a burgeoning Hispanic or Latino population.

Using the Latino Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores (NEMS‐S), trained research staff assessed food availability in 37 randomly selected Latino grocery stores of the 76 in Iowa. Beyond completing the NEMS‐S assessment, raters recorded information on up to five additional items in a food category such as canned fruits. For fruits and vegetables they noted different varieties available, e.g. names of different apples, and brand names based on descending order of shelf space. We pooled three waves of data collection from a 2‐week period from each store for analysis to reduce variability based on time of stocking or deliveries. Data were collected between June and August 2016.

Shelf availability of milk, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, beefsteak, chicken, fish, beverages, tortillas, canned and dry beans, rice, canned fruit and vegetables, canned fish, and cooking oils were recorded. We did not collect information on produce used as garnish or seasoning in foods. All of the 37 tiendas sold: fruit nectars, Coca Cola®, canned beans, and corn tortillas. Fresh fruits commonly found in most stores were: plantains 81% (30/37), oranges 79% (29/37), mango 76% (28/37), and bananas 57% (21/37). Strawberries, honeydew melon, and plums were found in less than 5% (2/37). The most frequently found fresh vegetables were: tomatoes 97% (36/37), onions 95% (34/37), tomatillos and chiles 92% (34/37). Potatoes, squash, and cacti were present in 89% (33/37). Spinach was not found in any tienda, and broccoli and cauliflower were found in 5% (2/37). Although a great variety of fresh produce and meats were available, some other healthier options were less evident on the shelves. Only 14% (5/37) of the tiendas stocked brown rice and 100% juice. Low‐fat milk was found in 11% (4/37) of the tiendas. By knowing the food availability in the tiendas, public health and extension outreach agencies should promote these stores to nearby residents, and educate store owners to stock healthy products for a win‐win in Latino communities.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported in part by the Cooperative Agreement Number, DP004807, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.