The Density of Retail Food Outlets in the Central Coast Region of California: Associations with Income and Latino Ethnic Composition

ABSTRACT Research in the United States has found more limited retail food access in low-income and minority areas. This study analyzed retail food density in census blocks of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties in California (n = 6308), using GIS and multilevel regression models. The results indicate that the density of retail food outlets was lower in census blocks with a majority of Latino residents. However, retail density increased with declining median household income in census block groups (n = 396). Suitable locations for establishing new fruit and vegetable markets in the region were also identified, as a potential means of reducing current inequalities.