Exposure to Crime at Food Stores: Implications for Nutrition and Health among Black Americans

Crime is a public health issue that disproportionately affects racially-marginalized populations. Studies have reported that food stores (e.g., grocery stores, convenience stores) often attract crime due to their volume of cash transactions and limited security. Little is known about how exposure to crime at food stores affects nutrition or health. This study aimed to fill this research gap by exploring the lived experiences of Black Americans. In 2023, 502 Black-identifying adults completed a survey online. They reported their socio-demographics, fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, food security status, height, weight, and experiences with crime at food stores in their community. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were examined to identify associations between exposure to crime at food stores and the following measures: low food security status, obesity status, and daily servings of FVs. Approximately 150 (29%) participants avoided one or more food stores in their community due to crime; 102 (20%) had witnessed a crime at a food store. Those who avoided food stores had greater odds of low food security (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.25–3.02) and obesity (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33–3.48) compared to others. Those who witnessed a crime had greater odds of low food security (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.82–5.41). Exposure to crime at food stores was not associated with FV consumption after adjusting for socio-demographics. Exposure to crime in food stores may have negative health and nutritional implications. Future studies should explore these implications for populations that are disproportionately affected by crime.