Assessment of Community Food Resources: A Latino Neighborhood Study in Upstate New York

Abstract

This study aims to assess availability, affordability, and accessibility of food items in a low-income Latino neighborhood within a small city using an on-site food store survey. Store locations were identified by on-site Global Positioning System. Results showed the Latino neighborhood had limited availability and above-average cost of high-fiber bread. Fresh vegetables were more expensive compared to the non-Latino neighborhood, and more stores in the Latino neighborhood participated in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Food Program. The lack of supermarkets, fewer stores with disability access, and the lack of public transportation left Latino residents without a vehicle or with physical disabilities with few food shopping options.

Keywords:

• food environment
• Latino neighborhood
• nutrition access
• food cost
• supermarkets
• store survey

Notes

When this research was completed, the first author was at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.