Using participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) mapping to describe household food access in Buffalo, New York

ABSTRACT

Despite existing only blocks apart, neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY can have very different levels of food availability and access due to their local food environment. This study uses participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) mapping and qualitative interviewing to describe these food environments based on the lived experiences of Buffalo residents. PGIS mapping interviews were conducted with residents of the city who regularly used food pantries and focused on access to and availability of both free food resources (such as soup kitchens and food pantries) and purchased food resources (such as grocery stores). Participants were also asked about food access in their own neighborhood, their perceptions of food access in the city, and what develops they thought would contribute to greater food security for their neighborhoods. Results show cost of living and transportation were important barriers to food access for many participants. Findings suggest that residents of historically marginalized neighborhoods in Buffalo continue to have lower access to affordable healthy foods.

KEYWORDS:

• Food insecurity
• participatory GIS
• food access
• food pantry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Partial funding for this research was provided by the Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities at the University of South Florida.

Notes on contributors

Sarah E. Bradley

Dr. Sarah E. Bradley is a medical anthropologist with a background in applied social science research and public health. Her research interests include healthcare access, health equity, and social determinants of health. She works for the Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.