Developing and Testing a User-Focused, Web GIS-Based Food Asset Map for an Under-Resourced Community in Northeastern Connecticut.

Background/

Objectives

Access to healthy and affordable food remains a challenge for under-resourced communities due to uneven food distribution and the need for reliable transportation. This study developed and evaluated an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based food asset map for a low-income community in Windham, Connecticut to improve awareness of food resources and expand opportunities for fresh food access.

Methods

Using the human-centered design (HCD) framework and the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, the map integrates food locations, transportation routes, and assistance eligibility. Internal pilot testing (n = 8) identified usability issues, leading to updates such as mobile compatibility and user guides. Usability testing (n = 74) assessed navigation performance and user feedback through task-based evaluations and surveys. Categorical map usability, sociodemographic, diet, and health characteristics were tested for participants with food security (yes/no) or digital literacy (passed/failed).

Results

Food-secure participants showed higher usability success than food-insecure individuals (p < 0.05), while those relying on food assistance faced greater challenges (p < 0.05). Individuals rating their diet as "very good/excellent" were most likely to pass the map usability testing (p < 0.05), whereas younger, college-educated, employed participants and those with vehicles trended toward passing (p < 0.1). Participants generally reported the map easy to navigate, especially those with food security.

Conclusions

The asset map promotes food resource awareness and addresses barriers such as limited public transportation information. Additional efforts are needed to support food-insecure users in utilizing digital food access resources. This study contributes to initiatives to improve food access, digital inclusion, and community engagement in under-resourced communities.