Does Healthy Food Cost More in Poor Neighborhoods? An Analysis of Retail Food Cost and Spatial Competition

摘要: The organization of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, retail food industry was analyzed to determine whether spatial competition influenced cost and availability items. Using a gravity variable, costs two separate market baskets were in January 2009, factors influencing determined. Store type (chain or supercenter) found be most significant determinant costs, validating findings past studies. Although not more expensive low-income areas, results suggest that residents rural areas have disincentives purchase affordable, available healthy due their local market.