Novel Methodological Approaches to Address Social Drivers of Nutrition & Health (Poster Theater Flash Session 5)

(PTFS05-05-25) Developed as User-Focused, Web GIS-based Asset Mapping of Food Resources for an Under-Resourced Community in Northeastern Connecticut

Sunday, June 1, 2025

12:16 PM – 12:20 PM ET

Location: South Hall B (The Hub) - Poster Theater / Poster Board Number PT-6

Presenting Author(s)

XC

Xiran Chen, MSc

Graduate Assistant
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

MD

Manije Darooghegi Mofrad, MSc (she/her/hers)

Graduate Assistant
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
SC

Sydney Clements

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Kate Killion, MPH, RD (she/her/hers)

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Connecticut
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
TJ

Thess Johnson

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
XC

Xiang Chen

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
DZ

Donna Zigmont

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Daniela C. Avelino, MS (she/her/hers)

Graduate Assistant
University of Connecticut
Mansfield, Connecticut, United States
MP

Michael Puglisi

University of Connecticut
VD

Valerie B B. Duffy, PhD, RD

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Ock K. Chun, PhD, MPH

Associate Professor
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a GIS-based interactive food asset map to improve food accessibility in under-resourced communities in Windham County, Connecticut. The map was designed to provide residents with the ability to choose where to obtain affordable foods and to encourage healthier dietary decisions, addressing barriers such as transportation, digital literacy, and economic constraints.

Methods: The study used the human-centered design (HCD) framework and the healthcare access barriers (HCAB) model, along with the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, to guide the development of the GIS food map. The map integrated geocoded data on food resources, public transit, and SNAP/WIC eligibility, with features like filtering options and navigation aids. Internal pilot testing with eight participants unfamiliar with map development identified usability challenges, including font scalability and navigation complexity, leading to targeted refinements. Usability testing involved 54 participants completing structured tasks to locate food resources and evaluate functionality. Surveys also assessed perceived utility of the food access map and socio-demographic characteristics, including food security status. Data analysis included chi-square tests to examine usability results and explore associations with participant characteristics (p < 0.05).

Results: Usability testing with 54 residents revealed key insights: food-secure individuals were more successful in navigating the map (P < 0.05) and found it more useful for locating food resources (P < 0.05), while participants enrolled in food assistance programs reported greater challenges (P < 0.01), reflecting digital literacy and accessibility gaps. Beyond usability, the study highlights the complex interplay of food resources, digital skills, and access disparities.

Conclusions: The GIS-based food access map empowers residents to make informed decisions, promoting healthier diets while addressing barriers like transportation and digital literacy. Future efforts will focus on improving accessibility, enhancing digital skills, and fostering community collaboration to advance health equity and nutritional security.

Funding Sources: This research was funded by USDA NIFA AFRI #CONS2022-08690.