Presentation Type

Poster

Full Name of Faculty Mentor

Stephen Borders, Health Sciences

Major

Health Administration

Presentation Abstract

Food insecurity is a multidimensional problem. This research project aims to use geographic information systems to reduce food insecurity in the eight-county service area by the South Michigan Food Bank. We collected and analyzed data on various factors that contribute to food insecurity: such as poverty, education, employment, transportation barriers, and access to supermarkets and grocery stores. By mapping these data at the census tract level and visualizing the results through an interactive dashboard, we identified areas with the highest levels of need while recognizing some of the root causes behind food insecurity throughout the region. In addition, we created a printable infographic for each of the South Michigan Food Bank’s 239 census tracts. The infographic summarizes key statistics related to food insecurity for each tract. The use of geographic information systems, interactive dashboards, and printable infographics has demonstrated its potential to be a valuable tool in the effort to reduce food insecurity in the region. Printable infographics are ideal when attempting to pinpoint locations with the greatest needs. This data-driven approach and the ability to summarize complex data sets have allowed the South Michigan Food Bank to identify key factors contributing to food insecurity and develop targeted solutions to address the problem at a more localized level.

Start Date

11-4-2023 10:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2023 12:00 PM

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration

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Apr 11th, 10:00 AM Apr 11th, 12:00 PM

South Michigan Food Bank Food Insecurity Dashboard

Food insecurity is a multidimensional problem. This research project aims to use geographic information systems to reduce food insecurity in the eight-county service area by the South Michigan Food Bank. We collected and analyzed data on various factors that contribute to food insecurity: such as poverty, education, employment, transportation barriers, and access to supermarkets and grocery stores. By mapping these data at the census tract level and visualizing the results through an interactive dashboard, we identified areas with the highest levels of need while recognizing some of the root causes behind food insecurity throughout the region. In addition, we created a printable infographic for each of the South Michigan Food Bank’s 239 census tracts. The infographic summarizes key statistics related to food insecurity for each tract. The use of geographic information systems, interactive dashboards, and printable infographics has demonstrated its potential to be a valuable tool in the effort to reduce food insecurity in the region. Printable infographics are ideal when attempting to pinpoint locations with the greatest needs. This data-driven approach and the ability to summarize complex data sets have allowed the South Michigan Food Bank to identify key factors contributing to food insecurity and develop targeted solutions to address the problem at a more localized level.

 

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