ABSTRACT
Food acquisition patterns and perceptions remain insufficiently understood when examining the ways urban built environments impact food access. Using surveys (N = 751) and interviews (N = 14) we argue there is a fundamental mismatch between the dominant food access narrative, which assumes proximity is the most salient factor in acquisition, and lived-experiences. Results reveal individuals’ perceptions regarding food access differ based on their experiences. While close-ended responses indicated few transportation barriers, open-ended responses indicated multiple challenges in accessing food. Results highlight relationships between conceptions of distance and access. Findings have implications for measurement approaches and the need for lived-experiences to inform interventions.
Declaration Of Interest Statement
None of the authors have any disclosures.
Data Availability Statement
Data and data collection instruments available upon request to Kathryn Colasanti; Center for Regional Food Systems; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; email: [email protected]
Ethical Approval
This study was determined as exempt from full IRB review by the Michigan State University Human Research Protection Program under the title: Shared Measurement Food Access Survey Pilot (CGA# 134786) and IRB Number: x16-248e; i050731.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.