Food Pantry Accessibility Analysis For Five Massachusetts North Shore Communities

Keywords: Walkability, FEMA, Hazard, Population Density, Massachusetts, Urban Planning, Food, Environment, Socioeconomic, Diversity
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Food equity is a leading social justice issue in the twenty-first century. Boston, Massachusetts, has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity and equitable access in recent years (Anderson 2023). Part of equitable access to food is walkability to locations such as food pantries. Walkability measurements vary based on the model being applied. However, all include some measure of the distance of households from a resource, the number of intersections between a household and the resource, and population density (Perez-Pereda et al 2024, Anderson 2023). Walkability can be improved by ensuring that resources are distributed at appropriate intervals throughout an area and by providing amenities such as sidewalks to improve walking accessibility(Anderson 2023). The study analyzes the walkability of food distribution sites across five Massachusetts cities: Danvers, Beverly, Peabody, Lynn, and Salem. This North Shore region represents a diverse population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, making it an ideal area to explore the challenges and equity issues surrounding food accessibility. The study timeframe spans from 2021 to 2024, capturing recent changes in food distribution networks, community demographics, and environmental factors like increased flood risks or new transit developments that could impact walkability. The project aims to reveal patterns in food accessibility and identify areas where improvements may be most needed. Insights from this study could help local organizations, community planners, and policymakers design interventions that ensure equitable food access, especially in underserved neighborhoods that face additional transportation or environmental challenges.