A Geospatial Analysis of Food Deserts in Southwest Florida

Abstract

This study conducted a geospatial analysis of food deserts through low-income and low-access census tracts across Southwest Florida (SWFL), focusing on the intersection of food accessibility, socioeconomic factors, and public health. Using data sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Census Bureau the research identifies and maps areas within SWFL that qualify as food deserts or regions with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The analysis incorporates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to visualize spatial variability and examine correlations between food access, income levels, and population demographics. The findings reveal that food deserts in SWFL are predominantly concentrated in low-income, socioeconomically vulnerable populations, and rural communities. Hendry, Glades, and parts of Lee and Collier counties exhibit significant food accessibility challenges. The spatial patterns suggest that food insecurity is not randomly distributed but closely tied to historical patterns of socioeconomic differences and urban development. The study highlights the role of transportation and the distribution of supermarkets and grocery stores in exacerbating food disparities. This research demonstrates the critical need for data-driven policy interventions that target vulnerable communities through improved public transportation, incentives for grocery retailers in underserved areas, and urban planning initiatives that integrate food access into regional development strategies. Ultimately, the paper contributes to the broader issue of public health by illuminating the spatial dimensions of food deserts in the SWFL region.