"Creating a healthy food environment is important to modifying diet patterns in a positive way," said Song. "Increased healthy food availability and accessibility is a factor in healthy diets at the household level. Healthy diets help lower the incidence of obesity, diabetes high blood pressure and their complications."

Milton Stokes, a dietician in private practice in Connecticut, thinks the uniqueness of this study is that most nutrition interventions target large supermarkets. However, many consumers rely on corner stores or bodegas, especially in urban areas.

"Health providers can teach about reading food labels and making healthier choices, but if those choices aren't available, forget it," he said. "To increase consumer choices, give store owners financial support to promote these types of programs and customers can vote with their dollars. We have to give the consumer a chance at nutrition by giving store owners a chance at financial viability."

Source: Health Promotion Practice