Assessing the proximity of healthy food options and food deserts in a rural area in Maine

The purpose of the project described in this paper was to assess and describe the food environment facing public assistance clients in a rural county in Maine. Using the concept of a “food desert” and an objective tool for rating participating food outlets, the research team developed a spatial model of client access to healthy foods. The final map shows that most rural residents are within acceptable distances of well-rated stores, though these may not be supermarkets.

► ·“Food Deserts” are defined by distance to supermarkets as sources of healthy food.
► ·Stores of all types can be objectively rated for fresh, reasonably priced healthy food.
► ·Food deserts re-assessed through ratings may not be true deserts.
► ·Information campaigns based on ratings can identify local places and foods to meet consumer needs