Rodolfo M. Nayga

Supermarket access in the inner cities

Abstract One of the most pressing problems in urban America today is the serious shortage of supermarkets in many inner cities despite America’s abundant food supply and state-of-the-art food distribution system. Since the 1950s, numerous supermarket chains and independent grocers have departed low-income inner city neighborhoods. Consequently, inner cities have been left with smaller and less accessible stores that are generally unable to provide both the quality and variety of foods needed for a healthy population. In addition, these smaller stores are often unable to offer affordable prices to inner city households. Supermarket access in the inner cities is an important issue that has not been fully addressed by any sector. This paper attempts to reignite debate about the plight of inner city neighborhoods by discussing some of the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing the development of supermarkets in poor urban neighborhoods.

Consumer characteristics associated with low fat, low cholesterol foods

This study identifies several characteristics and factors of individuals who are more likely to try low-fat, low-cholesterol foods. The analysis was performed using logit analysis. The results imply that the following individuals are more likely to try low-fat, low-cholesterol foods: those with high incomes, whites compared to blacks, females, those with smaller households, those with high body mass index, those who have a better perception of their own health, those who are aware of the link between diet and disease, nonsmokers, and those who do not agree that people are born fat or thin and that there is nothing one can do about it.

On Consumers' Perception About the Reliability of Nutrient Content Claims on Food Labels

ABSTRACT This study examines the factors affecting consumers confidence in the truthfulness of nutrient content claims such as “low fat,” “low cholesterol,” “good source of fiber,” “light,” “healthy,” and “extra lean” used on food labels as a reliable basis for choosing foods. Results generally suggest that older, less educated, male individuals as well as those who placed less importance on nutrition when food shopping are less likely to be confident about the reliability of nutrient content claims on food labels as a basis for choosing foods than do others. Income, race, and special diet status are also significant in some of the models.

Understanding the Challenges Facing the Food Manufacturing Industry

Abstract The Northeasts share of US food processing activity has decreased significantly over the last three decades as many food processing firms have exited the region and located elsewhere, particularly in the South and the West. This decline has been most severe in New Jersey, the state that is frequently cited as having the most stringent business and regulatory climate in the nation. To investigate why food processors have found the New Jersey environment to be so unfriendly, this study organized focus groups of food processing industry executives, trade organizations and researchers. The findings suggest that the area of environmental and other regulation is the most problematic for food processors. Other areas of concern include, in order of importance, taxation and fiscal problems, economic barriers to development and expansion, high cost of doing business, education, training and labor concerns, communication and public relations, and transportation. Policy makers in New Jersey, and in other northeastern states facing similar food processing declines, interested in the retention and economic development of food processing firms need to be cognizant of the impediments currently constraining the industry. Industry-based public policy recommendations for enhancing the business climate for food processors are presented.