A Comprehensive Food Access Analysis in Tucson

Executive Summary Adequate access to healthy food has become a more pressing societal issue due to factors such as the recent recession and continued challenges with un-and under-employment depressing income in many areas. More than 14% of American households (17.5 million) were estimated to be food insecure during 2013 in the latest Economic Research Report by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). " Food desert " refers to geographically isolated locations where access to healthy, affordable foods (especially fruits and vegetables) is limited or non-existent (Mari Gallagher 2006; 2007a; 2007b; Powell et al. 2007). While most food desert studies focus on brand-name chain stores, this project also examines whether independent stores help reduce food deserts, to what extent these stores change food access and in what geographical and social locations such changes take place. In addition to food deserts (a proximity-based food access assessment), this project addresses aspects of food store diversity and variety in a comprehensive evaluation of food access, especially in low-income neighborhoods. Further, inconsistent results introduced by the use of alternative geographic scales are examined. The study is conducted in Tucson, AZ where a high poverty rate (20.4%) has been found. The study has critical policy implications for both government policy-makers and practitioners. The research findings can be used to facilitate governmental and non-governmental agencies' planning of food and nutrition service. The private sector, such as retailers, can also be provided with our analysis to assist them with decisions of where to locate, which may also lead to improved food accessibility and social welfare.