Kentucky State University
Proximity Analysis of Grocery Stores in Kentucky to Understand Food Desert Issues
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Agriculture, Food & Environment
Minor
None
Institution 23-24
Kentucky State University
KY House District #
57
KY Senate District #
20
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Buddhi R. Gyawali
Department
College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences
Abstract
Frankfort, Kentucky, the state's capital, faces a problem with not having enough places to buy fresh food, especially in downtown, making it a "food desert". The presence of large retailers like Walmart and Kroger makes it difficult for smaller businesses to remain in business. The purpose of this study is to determine the travel distances of various Frankfort districts’ residents to establishments that offer fresh produce. Providing this information to the city's officials will allow them to address the issue by incentivizing the establishment of more grocery outlets. The study focuses on the distribution of grocery stores and how close they are to Frankfort communities. Additionally, it will identify the areas in Frankfort with the easiest access to fresh food. We will utilize ArcGIS Pro and Survey123 as well as Google Earth and ArcGIS Pro to obtain and analyze the data. This project will be important to highlight Frankfort's food deserts and provide suggestions for additional grocery stores that will provide nutritious food to the city’s residents.
Proximity Analysis of Grocery Stores in Kentucky to Understand Food Desert Issues
Frankfort, Kentucky, the state's capital, faces a problem with not having enough places to buy fresh food, especially in downtown, making it a "food desert". The presence of large retailers like Walmart and Kroger makes it difficult for smaller businesses to remain in business. The purpose of this study is to determine the travel distances of various Frankfort districts’ residents to establishments that offer fresh produce. Providing this information to the city's officials will allow them to address the issue by incentivizing the establishment of more grocery outlets. The study focuses on the distribution of grocery stores and how close they are to Frankfort communities. Additionally, it will identify the areas in Frankfort with the easiest access to fresh food. We will utilize ArcGIS Pro and Survey123 as well as Google Earth and ArcGIS Pro to obtain and analyze the data. This project will be important to highlight Frankfort's food deserts and provide suggestions for additional grocery stores that will provide nutritious food to the city’s residents.