Using Geographic Information Systems and Local Food Store Data in California's Low-Income Neighborhoods to Inform Community Initiatives and Resources

摘要

Objectives . We examined conditions in California low-income neighborhoods that affect obesity to inform program planning, nutrition education, community participation, investment of resources, and involvement of stakeholders. Methods. Staff members in 18 local health departments were trained to use an online geographic information system (GIS) and conduct field surveys. GIS data were aggregated from 68 low-income neighborhoods of 1 or more census tracts. Data were collected in 2007 to 2009 from 473 grocery stores in 62 neighborhoods. Results. Thirty-one percent of neighborhoods mapped had no supermarket within any of their census tract boundaries, but health department staff members estimated that 74.2% of residents had access to a large grocery store within 1 mile. Eighty-one percent of small markets sold produce, and 67.6% offered 4 or more types of fresh vegetables. Conclusions. Small markets and corner stores in California's low-income neighborhoods often have fresh produce available for sale. Stores providing healthy options in typically underserved areas can be part of community efforts to promote healthy eating behaviors. As the obesity epidemic continues to escalate across the nation, 1 – 5 community factors most likely to reverse the trend become increasingly important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended community strategies to prevent obesity, including improving access to healthy local foods, providing incentives for food retailers to carry healthier options, and limiting advertisements of less healthy foods. 6 The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act seeks to mobilize communities to create neighborhoods that sustainably support healthy lifestyles and ameliorate the obesity epidemic. 7 Reliable data on the local food environment can inform decisions about which actions are appropriate at the community level and which neighborhoods are at highest need for resources. Local data derived from geographic information system (GIS) mapping and field surveys that describe the neighborhood environment and the types of food available in neighborhoods can help guide local efforts. The Network for a Healthy California (the Network) of the California Department of Public Health uses GIS mapping and store surveys to examine food store conditions in low-income neighborhoods as part of the program Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention (CX3).