Do the poor pay more for food? An analysis of grocery store availability and food price disparities

Do the poor pay more for food? To answer this question, this study was cond ucted to provide an empirical analysis of grocery store access and prices a cross inner city and suburban communities within the Minneapolis and St. Pa ul metropolitan area. The comparison among different types of grocers and g eographic areas is drawn from a survey of approximately fifty grocery items fur fifty-five stores. Results indicate that the poor pay only slightly mo re in the Twin Cities grocery market. More significantly, those who shop in non-chain stores pay a significant premium, and the poor have less access to chain stems. This study reveals that the biggest factor contributing to higher grocery costs in poor neighborhoods is that large chain stores, wher e prices tend to be lower, are not located in these neighborhoods.