BACKGROUND: This study examined how proximity tofood sources differed at the block group and town level,stratified by socioeconomic risk, and how the averagedistance to a food source was associated with childoverweight and obesity rates in Rhode Island.METHODS: Eight correlated variables from the 2014–2018 American Community Survey were used to measurehigh and low socioeconomic risk at the block groupand town level. Linear regression models were used toassess the association between mean driving distanceto food sources and prevalence of child overweightand obesity.RESULTS: All food sources were closer to residences inthe high-risk group than the low-risk group at the blockgroup and town level. Convenience stores, sit-downrestaurants, and snack and beverage stores showed thelargest associations with prevalence of overweight andobesity.CONCLUSION: Efforts to better understand the food environmentare needed to address overweight and obesityamong youth.
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