A study by UNLV researchers argues that non-traditional food markets like dollar discount stores may help bridge disparities in food access for low-income residents.

Researchers of the study urge outreach programs that aid low-income populations in food deserts to consider partnering with dollar-discount stores like 99 Cents Only Stores and Family Dollars in their efforts to strengthen the overall food system and improve food access, arguing that dollar-discount stores are often equivalent in quality and lower in price compared to grocery stores.

“Because cost, quality, and accessibility are established barriers to healthy eating dollar discount stores can serve as community assets that increases access to quality, affordable food,” reads the study. “Public health researchers and practitioners should view these retailers as a community asset and work to collaborate on health promotion and outreach efforts.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 40 identified food deserts in Nevada, with 154,623 Nevadans meeting the criteria of living in an area without a grocery store.

Before locating in an area, grocers typically conduct a cost/beneﬁt analysis. The UNLV study suggests economic and market factors often dissuade supermarkets from setting up shop in low-income neighborhoods unless coupled with favorable policy or tax interventions.

Dollar-discount stores, on the other hand, price items at a ﬁxed $1 price and often already operate in low-income neighborhoods.

“While dollar-discount stores did have lower availability, they provided quality fresh and healthy foods which were less expensive,” the study reads.

The phenomenon of retailers selling products not typically associated with their stores is called “channel blurring,” according to the study.

For example, the 99 Cents Only Store sells a variety of groceries, toys and household goods. The study said in the Las Vegas metro area, a growing number of these discount stores contribute to “channel blurring” by offering fresh produce and other healthy food options that would traditionally be found only in grocery stores.

“These non-traditional stores may serve to bridge the gap in providing access to healthy and affordable foods to communities who may otherwise lack access,” reads the study.

An examination of 14 dollar-discount stores and 40 traditional food outlets across the Las Vegas metro area found while there was less variety of produce at dollar stores, there was no significant difference in quality.

The study also found that 84 percent of produce and about 90 percent of non-produce items were significantly less expensive at dollar stores.