2011 Model Practice Application (Public)

Geocoded Database for Measuring Neighborhood Food Access

Clark County Public Health

Geocoded Database for Measuring Neighborhood Food Access

Increasing access to and consumption of healthy food is a key strategy in preventing obesity and other chronic diseases. According to BRFSS data, 64% of Clark County adults were overweight or obese in 2008, and only 26% ate fruits and vegetables five or more times per day. Healthy Youth Survey data shows that in the same year, only 25% of tenth graders ate fruits and vegetables five or more times per day, yet 74% had consumed a sweetened beverage in the past week. As recognized by the CDC, food deserts limit the ability of consumers to access healthy food. Furthermore, research suggests that the relative abundance of inexpensive fast food compared to healthy food can lead to less healthful diets. Of particular concern is the tendency of low income and minority neighborhoods to have less access to healthy food and more access to fast food and convenience stores.

CCPH created the geocoded database using data collected and entered by CCPH environmental health staff. Because there were no Washington State standards on restaurant classificationss, we had to create the database locally to ensure accuracy. CCPH Environmental Health staff participated in the review and final classification system, providing their insights into how to merge our data needs with permitting and inspection needs. At this point, we have already assessed the population within walking distance of healthy food and fast food outlets. We have shared our assessment tool with various community groups, including the county’s Food Safety Technical Advisory Committee, local non-profit organizations, the Food Systems Council and the Clark County Department of Community Planning (DCP). As we and our partners become more familiar with the capabilities of the database tool, we anticipate expanding our analysis to evaluate access to different types of food outlets, different types of food and specific populations affected at fine geographic levels. We will continue to share our findings with our community partners for use in planning policies, programs, and projects to improve food access.

This practice addresses obesity and access to healthy food, especially for low income and minority populations. Whereas data on food deserts and access to healthy food is available through several sources, such as NAICS codes or SNAP data, these sources were found to be out of date and inaccurate at the level of detail required by Clark County Public Health (CCPH). The goal of this practice was to improve our understanding of healthy food access within the county by creating an accurate, geocoded database reflecting the availability of healthy food, thereby enabling CCPH to work with other agencies in targeting programs and resources to areas and populations with the least access to healthy food. Data development took place between March and October 2010, with no additional costs to CCPH. To compile accurate records of the location and classification of food establishments, assessment and chronic disease prevention staff worked with environmental public health staff to revise the food permit database. The resulting data set is highly accurate, updated, and requires little maintenance. Assessment staff have used the data to map food establishments in GIS and estimate the degree of access, including walking time and distance, for disadvantaged populations to six categories of food establishments, including supermarkets, grocery stores, produce vendors, convenience stores, full-service restaurants, and fast food restaurants. The database will serve as a tool that we can share with community stakeholders interested in improving healthy food access for specific populations.

Objective: To improve our understanding of healthy food access within Clark County by creating an accurate, geocoded database reflecting the availability of healthy food, thereby enabling CCPH to work with other agencies in targeting programs and resources to areas and populations with the least access to healthy food. Measure 1: We used the database to complete an analysis of access to healthy food for all populations within Clark County, including low-income and ethnic and minority populations. We analyzed access by walking, biking, driving and use of mass transportation for each of these populations. Performance measures include time and distance for each of these modalities and specific populations affected. Measure 2: Uptake of our analysis for use as an assessment tool by community partners: The Aging Readiness Task Force has been using our database tool in discussions related to aging and transportation, including discussions on how to improve healthy food access for the elderly population in Clark County. The County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is using the tool to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian improvements to improve healthy food access. We anticipate that Community Choices will use the tool in future versions of the Community Report Card and that the Clark County Food System Council will use information derived from the tool for continuing community conversations and prioritizing activities that lead to improved access to healthy food choices.