'Eat for Health': A supermarket intervention for nutrition and cancer risk reduction

Abstract

Objectives. The results of an evaluation of 'Eat for Health,' a supermarket nutrition intervention, are presented. The study tested whether such a program could be successfully carried out and whether it could effect changes in knowledge, attitudes, and food purchasing behavior in line with nutrition and cancer risk reduction guidelines. Methods. The evaluation consisted of an in-store monitoring element, an in-store and telephone consumer survey, and an analysis of sales data on selected foods. A matched- pair design, using a total of 40 stores in the intervention and comparison groups, was used. Results. The intervention was successfully implemented and had limited success in changing some food purchasing behaviors. There appeared to be no effect on knowledge and attitudes except for increased awareness of a link between diet and cancer and of the program itself. Conclusions. Despite the intervention's success, limitations of the consumer survey and sales data analyses and the continuing diffusion of nutrition messages throughout society make it difficult to specify the impact of this program on consumer nutrition knowledge and behaviors.