Oral

Measuring “food environments” is an exploding field, with the number of studies increasing exponentially over the last two decades. Early work used basic descriptive statistics, secondary datasets, and nascent geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to describe the density and distribution of a limited number of food sources. More recent research is exploring more sophisticated techniques and more nuanced considerations. This APHA session on “Measuring the food Environment” will explore methodological advances such as global positioning system (GPS) tracking of daily activity spaces, a proprietary 3D street-view resource, detailed in-store analyses for price comparisons between neighborhoods, and considering how proximity to food sources relates to food purchases, dietary patterns, and weight status. Presentations will consider a range of different food environments across the United States from California to Kentucky to New Jersey.

Session Objectives: 1. Define “food environment”, and differences by setting in the United States; 2. Demonstrate advances in the field of food-environment assessment; and 3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for primary data collection and secondary data analyses.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)