Cross-sectional analysis of a community-based cooperative grocery store intervention in Saskatoon, Canada

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this research is to examine the awareness and use of the Good Food Junction (GFJ), a not-for-profit full service cooperative grocery store in a former food desert in Saskatoon, Canada. METHODS:Through door-to-door sampling, 365 residents in their neighbourhoods surrounding the GFJ grocery store were recruited. Quantitative surveys examined awareness, use and primary use of GFJ, mode of transportation to and from GFJ and primary grocery stores, other food program use and demographic data. Differences between those who had or had not shopped at GFJ were characterized using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to predict shopping at GFJ and the use of GFJ as a primary grocery store. RESULTS:Of those surveyed, 69% had shopped at GFJ. A significant proportion of shoppers were Aboriginal, had an annual household income per person of less than $20,000, and participated in other food-based programs and initiatives. Aboriginal people (OR = 2.0,p= 0.03) and users of neighbourhood-based fruit and vegetable markets (OR = 2.7,p= 0.04) were significantly more likely, but new immigrants to Canada (OR = 0.3,p= 0.05) were significantly less likely to have ever shopped at GFJ. Aboriginal respondents (OR = 2.6,p= 0.04) were significantly more likely to use GFJ as their primary grocery store. CONCLUSION:Our results confirm both that GFJ is able to serve households where food insecurity is likely and, based on the prevalence of users, the importance and need for a full-service supermarket in Saskatoon's inner city.