Barriers to purchasing foods for a high-quality, healthy diet in a low-income African American community.

The goal of this project was to assess the cost of purchasing 1-month of nutritionally adequate, familiar, healthy food plans for African American seniors and families in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Model 7-day food plans were developed and tested using focus groups. The food plans were translated into shopping lists and prices were collected at 2 local grocery stores. Results found that the average estimated monthly food cost for both groups exceeded the benefit and food budget set by 2 agencies. It was concluded that many low-income people living in Roxbury have limited access to affordable healthy food options; this issue should be addressed as a matter of public health policy.