Multi-level Supermarket Discount Study

The objective is to test the effect of supermarket discount levels on fruit and vegetable (F&V) and non-caloric beverage purchasing and consumption, as well as health outcomes. The study team will implement this economic intervention in a local supermarket chain to assess the effects of a 32-week intervention of fruit and vegetable (F&V) and non-caloric beverage discounts of 30%, 15%, and 0% (control group) on purchasing, dietary intake, and health outcomes, including body weight and composition, blood pressure, and biochemical markers of cardiovascular disease risk. The prediction is that the impact will increase with the level of discount. The 32-week intervention will be preceded by an 8-week baseline and will have a follow-up period of 16 weeks. There will be no discounts in effect during the baseline and follow-up periods. The prediction is that some of the interventional effects will carry over to the follow-up period.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI: 24.5 - 50
• Weight Stable (±5% body weight in last 3 mo)
• Accessible by telephone
• Living in NYC and not planning move
• Primary household food shopper
• ≥50% of food shopping at Foodtown/Brooklyn Harvest and agrees to 100% shopping at store during study
• Consumption of >50% of food shopping
• Eat out or take out ≤5 times weekly

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or contemplating pregnancy
• Enrolled in related studies
• Active weight loss program
• Presence of serious medical (e.g. cancer, diabetes) or psychiatric disease (e.g. bipolar)
• Changes in medications or smoking in past 3 mo
• Excessive alcohol use (≥4 drinks/day) or illicit drug use
• Planning a vacation ≥ 4 consecutive weeks or 6 total weeks during study
• Receiving SNAP benefits