Table 4 Changes in Food Purchasing and Consumption Behavior among Customers in North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program Stores (n = 29 customers in 5 stores)

Have your food or beverage purchasing habits at this store changed since the program began?

Increased purchase of healthy foods at the store:

15/29, 52%

No change in purchases at the store:

13/29, 45%

Interviewer: Overall, has your food or beverage purchasing habits at this store changed since the program began?

Respondent: They actually have … I hadn’t seen them in a while like the tangerines in the cup and … I’ve actually ate more tangerines and fruits in the cup and stuff because they’re there now. [Pasquotank County, Male]

Has the overall amount of healthy foods or beverage items you buy changed since the store started carrying healthier foods?

Yes, increased purchase of healthy foods:

14/29, 48%

No, healthy food purchases have stayed the same: 13/29, 44%

Interviewer: Has the overall amount of healthy foods or beverage items you buy changed since the store started carrying healthier foods?

Respondent: I do buy more bananas because they’re right there. [Bertie, Female]

Has the overall amount of healthy food or beverage items you consume changed since the store started carrying healthier foods?

Purchasing healthy food in addition to regular purchases: 12/29, 41%

Purchasing healthier food instead of less healthy food

8/29, 28%

Unsure about consumption changes: 7/29, 14%

Interviewer: When you purchase these healthier items, are you picking these items in addition to items that you typically buy or are you buying them instead of less healthy options?

Respondent: In addition. Yeah. I think this is one of the few places in Tarboro at least that gives you the healthier options. [Edgecombe County, Male]