HBCU Wellness Project: Food Accessibility Mapping
Uncovering Rural Food Deserts in Tennessee
Participatory Mapping with HBCU Students
Prepared by: Wansoo Im, Ph.D. & Lisa McGee, M.Ed
Professor
Population Health
School of Global Health
Meharry Medical College
Public Health Exposome
Source: Slama, 2016
Community Mapping�is defined as
“using mapping technology to identify, understand, analyze, resolve, disseminate community issues with the explicit intentions of education, engagement and empowerment”
- Wansoo Im & David Tulloch
North Nashville, TN
Commonly referred to as the "Historic Jefferson Street Neighborhood," has a rich history as a Black community that has faced significant health equity challenges. Unfortunately, the area has high poverty rates, limited access to healthy food options, and a disproportionate number of residents who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes. These factors have contributed to persistent health disparities in the community.
Community Assets that could affect hypertension
Grocery Stores (USDA used)
Supercenters
Supermarkets
Large grocery stores
Potential Improvement
Nashville Food Accessibility Community Mapping
4/15/2023
Could you provide further suggestions or comments on ways to improve food accessibility in North Nashville?�
Food Accessibility in Rural Tennessee
According to the United States Census Bureau, 14.8% of Tennessee residents report food scarcity, with rural areas experiencing even higher rates.
Why Food Accessibility Matters
Food access directly impacts health outcomes
- Limited access to nutritious food increases risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes
Widening health disparities
- Food insecurity creates and reinforces inequities in community health outcomes
Rural Tennessee particularly vulnerable
- Geographic isolation, limited transportation, and economic challenges create significant barriers
Statewide impact
- 14.8% of Tennessee residents report food scarcity, with rural counties exceeding the state average of 12%
Bedford & Lauderdale Counties
Rural Tennessee Focus Areas
- Counties with significant food access challenges and health disparities
Food Insecurity Rates
- Bedford: 15%, Lauderdale: 18% (higher than state average of 12%)
Transportation Barriers
- Up to 20% of residents lack reliable transportation
Economic Challenges
- Poverty rates of 12.4% (Bedford) and 18% (Lauderdale)
Health Implications
- High rates of chronic diseases correlated with food access issues
County Demographic Snapshots
Bedford County
Food Insecurity
15% of residents
Poverty Rate
12.4% of residents
Transportation
15% cite as barrier
Lauderdale County
Food Insecurity
18% of residents
Poverty Rate
18% of residents
Transportation
20% lack access
"These counties serve as model examples of rural food access challenges that can be found throughout Tennessee and nationwide."
HBCU Wellness Project Overview
Initiative of Meharry Medical College
funded through legislative appropriation to address health disparities while training future health professionals
Project Leadership:
Led by Lisa McGee, MEd with key contributions from Dr. Wansoo Im focusing on community mapping
Comprehensive Curriculum:
Peer-reviewed content covering research methods, ethics, epidemiology, data collection techniques, and social determinants of health
1,000+
Students trained from HBCUs and PWIs
Participating Institutions Include:
Fisk University
Lane College
LeMoyne-Owen College
Who Are the Student Health Ambassadors?
Full-Time HBCU Students
SHAs are full-time students at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities who receive specialized training in public health principles and community engagement.
Through participation, SHAs drive positive change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health in underserved communities in culturally sensitive ways.
SHAs build bridges between academic institutions and local communities, engaging residents and collaborating with community-based and faith-based organizations.
Students collect, analyze, and map food accessibility data, transforming complex information into visual representations that highlight community needs and resources.
Community Engagement Leaders
Mapping Specialists
Agents of Change
HBCU Wellness Project | Meharry Medical College
Student Training & Workforce Development
Hands-on experience
in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), community mapping, and field data collection methodologies
Comprehensive curriculum
covering research ethics, epidemiology, social determinants of health, and environmental factors
Professional skill development
in data analysis, community engagement, and professional reporting
Real-world impact
through critical observations and community interactions that inform policy recommendations
Career preparation
for health professions, public health, and community development roles
Core Skills Developed
Over 1,000 students trained from HBCUs and PWIs
Geospatial Mapping
Using Mappler and GIS technology
Field Research
Data collection and verification
Community Engagement
Stakeholder interviews and listening sessions
Data Analysis
Interpreting patterns and drawing conclusions
Community Mapping for Food Accessibility
260 food provider locations mapped
across Bedford and Lauderdale counties, creating a comprehensive food access database.
Customizable online map platform
allowing students to filter and display food providers by category, location, and services.
Multiple data layers available
including vehicle access, unemployment rates, poverty levels, minority populations, and health status indicators at census tract level.
Interactive data visualization
enabling correlation analysis between food access and socioeconomic factors.
Key Findings: Identifying Food Deserts
Limited grocery options
Primarily Walmart, Food Lion, and Save Cash Grocery, with few independent alternatives
Seasonal farmers markets
Many closed during study period or operate on limited schedules
Low SNAP/WIC acceptance
Limited number of stores accepting nutrition assistance programs
Higher prices for essentials
Milk, eggs, and fresh produce cost more than state average
Geographic gaps
Large areas with no food providers within reasonable distance
Food Provider Distribution
Supercenters
Dominant presence
Wide selection
Transportation barrier
Local Grocers
Limited number
Better access
Higher prices
Farmers Markets
Seasonal/Closed
Fresh produce
Inconsistent availability
Convenience Stores
Numerous but limited
Accessible
Few healthy options
Transportation Barriers
20%
of residents in Lauderdale County lack access to private vehicles
Limited Public Transit:
No public transportation systems in Ripley and minimal options in Bedford County
Long Travel Distances:
Rural residents often travel 10+ miles to reach the nearest grocery store
High Alternative Costs:
Uber/rideshare services are prohibitively expensive for regular grocery trips
Student Observation:
"Some residents must schedule transportation 24 hours in advance to access grocery stores, creating major inconveniences"
Economic & Social Challenges
High poverty rates
impact food purchasing power
Housing cost burden
forces difficult financial choices
Limited healthcare access
compounds food-related health issues
Linguistic isolation
creates barriers to accessing services
Student Voices: Community Mapping Reflections
"Walmart offers variety, but higher prices on essentials like milk and eggs create financial challenges. Without public transit and with high Uber costs, many residents struggle to access fresh food."
— Danielle J
"Transportation and income disparities directly contribute to the county's high obesity (37%) and diabetes (12%) rates. Nutritious food remains inaccessible to many."
— Keyairra S
"Compared to Chattanooga, where most residents are 2-5 miles from a grocery store, Bedford County residents often travel 10+ miles with no reliable public transit. This makes nutritious food a privilege, not a standard."
— Christiyana C
"Residents need to schedule transportation 24 hours in advance to access grocery stores, creating major inconveniences for fresh food access."
— Nadiah W
"Food availability is a 'blind luxury.' Without reliable transit options, residents face significant challenges in accessing nutritious food, forcing reliance on convenience stores or fast food."
— Anyssa H
Short-Term Recommendations
Expand Food Pantry & Mobile Market Coverage
Increase mobile food pantry services in Bedford and Lauderdale Counties. Target areas with highest transportation barriers and lowest grocery store access.
Incentivize SNAP/WIC Acceptance
Encourage local retailers to accept SNAP/WIC benefits. Support online SNAP ordering with local pickup options to overcome transportation challenges.
Increase Nutrition Education
Implement school-based nutrition and gardening programs. Partner with local healthcare providers for food education workshops.
Develop Community Transport Solutions
Create volunteer rideshare programs specifically for grocery shopping. Coordinate with local churches and community organizations.
Long-Term & Policy Recommendations
Improve Transportation Access
Enhance public transportation routes to grocery stores and develop community-based ride-sharing programs specifically for food access. Create targeted solutions for residents without personal vehicles.
Strengthen Local Food Systems
Foster farm-to-table initiatives, support Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and develop incentives for local food production to create sustainable supply chains within counties.
Establish Cross-Sector Collaboration
Form a dedicated county-wide food access task force with representatives from government, healthcare, education, agriculture, and community organizations to coordinate efforts.
Increase Resource Allocation
Advocate for increased state and federal funding for rural food accessibility initiatives. Implement transparent allocation processes to ensure equitable distribution.
Next Steps
www.immappler.com/tnfood
HBCU Wellness Project, Meharry Medical College
Q & A