Geographic, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in the availability of grocery stores and supermarkets among low-income women across the urban-rural continuum

Disparities in the prevalence of obesity have been linked to differential access to grocery stores and supermarkets. The availability of convenience, grocery stores, and supermarkets within the census tract and a 3-, and 5-mile radius of residence was measured for women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (n = 21 203) in Kansas. Disparities in the availability of supermarkets were faced by women living in rural counties; however, within more urbanized areas, the presence of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities differed based on whether store availability was measured within tract or within a 1-mile radius of residence. These results highlight the need for greater specificity when examining the relationship between food environments and dietary outcomes.