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Exploring the Role of the Food Environment on Food Shopping Patterns in Philadelphia, PA, USA: A Semiquantitative Comparison of Two Matched Neighborhood Groups

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  • Jana A. Hirsch

    (Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 2675 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Amy Hillier

    (University of Pennsylvania School of Design, 210 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

Increasing research has focused on the built food environment and nutrition-related outcomes, yet what constitutes a food environment and how this environment influences individual behavior still remain unclear. This study assesses whether travel mode and distance to food shopping venues differ among individuals in varying food environments and whether individual- and household-level factors are associated with food shopping patterns. Fifty neighbors who share a traditionally defined food environment (25 in an unfavorable environment and 25 in a favorable environment) were surveyed using a mix of close- and open-ended survey questions. Food shopping patterns were mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Stores visited were beyond the 0.5-mile (805 meters) radius traditionally used to represent the extent of an individual’s food environment in an urban area. We found no significant difference in shopping frequency or motivating factor behind store choice between the groups. No differences existed between the two groups for big food shopping trips. For small trips, individuals in the favorable food environment traveled shorter distances and were more likely to walk than drive. Socioeconomic status, including car ownership, education, and income influenced distance traveled. These findings highlight the complexities involved in the study and measurement of food environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana A. Hirsch & Amy Hillier, 2013. "Exploring the Role of the Food Environment on Food Shopping Patterns in Philadelphia, PA, USA: A Semiquantitative Comparison of Two Matched Neighborhood Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:1:p:295-313:d:22773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mei-Po Kwan, 2000. "Analysis of human spatial behavior in a GIS environment: Recent developments and future prospects," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 85-90, March.
    2. Dick Saarloos & Jae-Eun Kim & Harry Timmermans, 2009. "The Built Environment and Health: Introducing Individual Space-Time Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(6), pages 1-20, May.
    3. Neil Wrigley & Daniel Warm & Barrie Margetts & Amanda Whelan, 2002. "Assessing the Impact of Improved Retail Access on Diet in a 'Food Desert': A Preliminary Report," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 39(11), pages 2061-2082, October.
    4. Morland, K. & Wing, S. & Roux, A.D., 2002. "The contextual effect of the local food environment on residents' diets: The atherosclerosis risk in communities study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(11), pages 1761-1767.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dimitris Skalkos & Zoi C. Kalyva, 2023. "Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Choice Motives: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-16, January.

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