The Impact of Covid-19 on Latino Food Stores in King County: Implications for Access to Food

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the health and economy of the Latinx population compared to other populations in the US. This is partially due to their marginalized social context and their overrepresentation in essential occupations. This study focuses on one such occupation, the owners and managers of small grocery retailers, known as tiendas. Tiendas provide the Latinx community with affordable nutritious food, serve as centers for social and cultural interaction, and are potential spaces to promote healthy behaviors. Tiendas can be classified as small or micro businesses depending on their number of employees. Because of their nature, tiendas endure economic and survival challenges that exceed those of most large retailers. Recognizing that size is an important factor, this study explored the differences between small and micro tiendas located in King County regarding (1) the socioeconomic and health impact of the pandemic on workers, and (2) the perceived feasibility of the strategies used to mitigate the spread of the virus. We found that although there were no significant differences between micro and small tiendas regarding the socioeconomic impact, both types of tiendas have endured the same challenges: reduction of personnel, disruption in the distribution of Hispanic products due to scarcity, and financial losses due to the reduction of weekly sales. These conditions increased tienda workers’ and their families’ vulnerability amidst the pandemic, and limited the Latinx community’s access to affordable food. We also found that contactless pay options, low occupancy, and exclusivity in operation hours for people at high risk were perceived as difficult strategies to implement, underscoring the fact that small and micro ethnic businesses have more difficulties adapting to economic shocks than their larger food retailer counterparts. Finally, this study recommended the joint effort of local, state, and federal organization to support the social, economic, and sustainable establishment and development of these small businesses as they have the potential as social hubs to facilitate the implementation of interventions to help improve the Latinx community’s physical and mental health.