NR 443 Week 1 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-443 RN Community Health Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

Factors Influencing Health and Grocery Purchases

Social determinants, such as income levels and poverty rates, significantly influence grocery shopping behaviors within communities. In Artesia, California, with a population of 16,601 and 8.7% of residents living in poverty, the average household income of $67,647 reflects a primarily middle-class demographic (Census Bureau, 2021). Comparatively, neighboring Norwalk, California, exhibits a higher prevalence of multi-family homes and a more varied income distribution, influencing residents’ purchasing power and dietary preferences. Lower-income areas might prioritize affordable, non-perishable items over fresh produce due to financial constraints, availability, and cultural dietary preferences.

In analyzing grocery prices, data from 99 Ranch, an Asian market, and Stater Bros., a mainstream grocery store, highlight stark cost differences. For instance, milk and yogurt are more expensive at 99 Ranch due to lower demand among its clientele. This disparity underscores the interplay between consumer behavior and store inventory, where stores align their products with the preferences of their primary customer base. In contrast, stores like Stater Bros. cater to a broader demographic, offering more competitively priced staple items. These factors collectively shape what groceries are purchased, with community-specific elements like cultural dietary habits and income levels playing a central role.

Availability and Accessibility of Food Options

Community characteristics, such as food availability and accessibility, further influence grocery shopping patterns. In Artesia, fewer fast-food restaurants and the presence of specialized grocery stores suggest a trend toward home-cooked meals tailored to cultural traditions. Conversely, neighboring cities like Norwalk, with a more diverse socio-economic population, may experience greater reliance on processed or convenience foods due to time or income constraints. Additionally, supermarkets strategically stock items to meet local demands. For example, a Costco in Long Beach may prioritize keto or low-carb products, reflecting a health-conscious customer base, whereas a Costco in Norwalk might emphasize Hispanic food options. Accessibility to healthy food choices, therefore, depends heavily on community demographics and store strategies, potentially limiting options for economically disadvantaged groups.

Role of Community Health Nurses

Community Health Nurses (CHNs) can employ interventions from the Public Health Intervention Wheel to address food security challenges. The category of Surveillance and Disease & Health Event Investigation is particularly relevant in Artesia. CHNs can monitor community needs and assess health risks by collecting and analyzing data on dietary habits, food availability, and economic barriers. This data can guide targeted initiatives, such as educational campaigns on affordable nutrition, partnerships with local grocers to increase access to healthy options, or programs to address underlying socio-economic disparities. By fostering awareness and advocating for systemic changes, CHNs can promote food security and overall community well-being.

Grocery Price Comparison

Item	99 Ranch (Artesia, CA)	Stater Bros. (Artesia, CA)	Organic
1 gallon of milk	$5.50	$4.25	No
1 loaf of bread	$2.75	$2.50	No
1 bag of apples (per lb)	$1.80	$1.50	No
1 bag of carrots	$1.25	$0.99	No
1 large container yogurt	$6.00	$4.50	No
1 2-liter of soda	$1.75	$1.50	No
1 bag of chips	$3.25	$2.75	No
1 package of cookies	$3.00	$2.50	No

References

Census Bureau QuickFacts. (2021). Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/