Listening local: Community perceptions of fresh food resources in Greater Little Rock

Abstract
A research team from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service partnered with community stakeholders to study fresh food access in Central Arkansas. The purpose of this study was to inform decision making on options to reduce food insecurity in two target neighborhoods. The study included three components: (a) interviews at food pantries, (b) online surveys with local experts, and (c) asset mapping of the healthy food resources in the target neighborhoods. Findings reveal that cost and transportation present barriers to fresh food access in the target neighborhoods. Furthermore, residents support mobile markets and community gardens as viable options for increasing food access. The process of understanding food insecurity discussed in this study can provide a model for other communities in addressing urban food security issues. Each community is unique; thus, community based research should be undertaken in the community prior to interventions that address food access and nutrition.

Source: Journal of Community Psychology - February 19, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Stacy C. Moak, Caitlin P. S. McAteer, Heather A. Rossi, Merrill J. Schmidt Tags: ARTICLE Source Type: research