(P05-014-23) Community Perspectives of Dollar Stores and Their Role in the Local Food Environment in Baltimore, Maryland

Objectives: Baltimore City has over 50 dollar stores, the majority of which are in low-income neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity. These dollar stores offer food items, but rarely offer healthier options, such as fresh produce. Local and state policymakers have mandated further research to understand how dollar stores are influencing food accessibility among Baltimore City residents. The present study aims to characterize how community members perceive their local dollar stores in the context of their food environments to inform future policy.

Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews began in December 2022 with Baltimore City residents 18 years and older. As of February 2023, we have completed 6 interviews, either via phone or zoom. Interview guides focus on perceptions of foods sold in dollar stores, the presence of dollar stores in communities, and recommendations for improving the dollar store food environment.

Results: Participants reported a range of perceptions about dollar stores, which can be categorized under three emergent themes: (1) affordability, (2) impact on local businesses, and (3) desire for healthier options. Some appreciated the affordability and quality of food compared to options at nearby grocery stores, while others were concerned with the unhealthiness of available food and believed dollar stores were preventing other food stores from coming to their neighborhood. Overall, participants supported adding fresh healthy foods to their local dollar stores. Among those who disliked dollar stores, participants felt like the addition of fresh healthy foods would improve how they perceived the stores’ presence in their neighborhood.

Conclusions: Baltimore residents had mixed perceptions about dollar stores and their role in low-income food environments. However, all participants expressed their support for having affordable, fresh healthy food options in their local dollar stores, including produce and meats. The introduction of these items in dollar stores to improve healthy food access should be considered in the creation of future dollar store policies in Baltimore City.

Funding Sources: Center for Science in the Public Interest