Geospatial distribution of fresh produce availability in low-income urban communities: Florida case-study

Discussion and research involving food deserts is of paramount importance. Areas viewed as “food desert” compound problems surrounding nutrition—propagating unhealthy life styles. A prime characteristic of food deserts and a well-known barrier to nutritious food consumption is the distance between populations and healthy food vendors. In this case-study we assessed and evaluated the food environment among a local community in Tampa, Florida to determine whether a ‘food desert' existed.

A geographical area, encompassing the greater University of South Florida area, was surveyed to identify all food stores within the community. Data was gathered through a fruit and vegetable (F/V) inventory. Each food store was evaluated for availability, variety, price and quality of F/V. A geographic information system was utilized to measure and Geo-spatially map all food stores found to offer fresh produce. Household distances between foods stores within five contiguous census tracts were evaluated.

Seventy-five fast food restaurants, 42 restaurants, 29 convenience stores, 21 grocery stores, 3 Supermarkets, 4 liquor stores, and 7 general stores in a 7.5 km2 area were identified. Though the distribution was fairly heterogeneous, clusters of fast food restaurants were seen to surround the block groups with the highest unemployment rates and lowest per capita incomes, whereas areas with higher percentages of white residents have fewer fast food restaurants nearby.

Our results indicate a complex distribution of food outlets which may result in unequal access to healthy food. Evidence of a ‘food desert' within this area suggests the residence inability to obtain fresh produce.