Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED
Train stations provide opportunities for food purchases and many consumers are exposed to these venues daily, on their commute to and from work. This study aimed to describe the food environment that commuters are exposed to at train stations in NSW.
METHODS
One hundred train stations were randomly sampled from the Greater Sydney Metropolitan region, representing a range of demographic areas. A purpose-designed instrument was developed to collect information on the availability, promotion and cost of food and beverages in vending machines. Items were classified as high/low in energy according to NSW school canteen criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 206 vending machines identified, 84% of slots were stocked with high-energy food and beverages. The most frequently available items were chips and extruded snacks (33%), sugar-sweetened soft drinks (18%), chocolate (12%) and confectionery (10%). High energy foods were consistently cheaper than lower-energy alternatives.
CONCLUSIONS
Transport sites may cumulatively contribute to excess energy consumption as the items offered are energy dense. Interventions are required to improve train commuters' access to healthy food and beverages.

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Authors

Kelly B, Flood VM, Bicego C, Yeatman H

Institution

The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Source

Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals 23:1 2012 Apr pg 73-5

MeSH

Choice Behavior
Food Dispensers, Automatic
Health Promotion
Humans
New South Wales
Nutritive Value
Railroads
Socioeconomic Factors

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22730945