We are using geographic information system (GIS) mapping tools to identify and prioritize building sites. The GIS effort incorporates data from multiple sources, including:
- USDA list of 500+ rural counties with persistent child poverty
- USDA Food Atlas, identifying areas of low food access (deserts) or areas dominated by poor quality food sources such as dollar stores and convenience stores (swamps)
- Feeding America affiliate food bank locations (targeting sites at least 2 hours from a regional food bank)
- US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, focusing on measures of poverty, the elderly, and children
- US Census city populations (targeting cities of 5,000 or less to maximize USDA grant potential)
- Roadway characteristics, to confirm the location can be accessed by 18-wheelr tractor-trailers
- Tribal nation boundaries