Question - Provide feedback for the two individuals given posts (100-words each).
1. I live in Vanderburgh County, IN. My county's limited access to food and food insecurity are 4% and 16%, respectively. The limited access to food is pretty comparable to the rest of the state. The highest percentage is 10%. The food insecurity is tied for highest in the state at 18%. There are 4 areas identified as LI and LA in Vanderburgh County. There are six areas identified as LI and LA using vehicle access. In the LI and LA closest to where I live, there is access to just about everything. This area includes a Wal-Mart, Schnucks, and Aldis for food, multiple liquor stores, multiple fast food restaurants, and 2 gas stations. The schools around this area are good performing schools and crime rates are low. This area includes a lot of the heart of the west side and a lot of houses. Since these areas are mostly grocery stores and fast food restaurants there are not many high paying jobs in this area? Housing in this area is safe and there are some cheap apartments available. There are not really any parks or sidewalks in this area. The only real physical hazard in this area is the train station. There are a few urgent cares in this area.
If I lived in this low-income area without a car I would probably purchase a bus pass and take those everywhere I needed to go. For food I would shop at Aldi's or Walmart and purchase generic goods. The access to healthy vs fast food would probably be about the same, but it would be cheaper to purchase the fast food, especially with a family of four. The biggest change for me would be the lack of car. I typically do my grocery shopping in this area anyway, but I am able to drive myself where I need to go. I also have the capability of working further away from home. If I had to take the bus to where I work now I would have to get on and off several buses to make it there and allow plenty of extra time in case of delays. I think place matters because depending on where you live you may have good or bad access to housing, grocery stores may or may not be within walking distance, and neighborhoods may be run down or dangerous.
2. I currently live in Daviess County, Kentucky. Daviess County's number of food insecure is 14,180. The percentage of Food Insecurity is 15%. These numbers are slightly lower than Kentucky's state average of 17%. According to the USDA map, there is a low income and low access area 20 miles from Daviess County, KY. There is also an area the same distance away that is an "LI and LA using vehicle access."
In the area the USDA map references, I believe there are some fast food restaurants. There are a limited number of gas stations. In this area, there are no liquor stores. I am not positive about specific tobacco shops. However, tobacco products are sold at gas stations. Depending on the radius of miles, there are good paying jobs within a 20-mile driving distance. Schools are average performing and crime rates are relatively low. The roads and sidewalks (depending on the area) are in good repair. Adequate housing - much of it rental - exists. Other physical determinates include dangerous air substances from surrounding industry. Both hospitals and clinics can be reached within a 20-mile drive.
If I lived in this particular area and did not have a car, I would have to shop for food mainly at the convenience store located near the main highway out of town. Other options - again depending on income - would include delivery from online services, provided internet was available. I would have to rely on friends and family for transport, as there is limited bus service in such a rural area. It would be very difficult to obtain fresh, healthy food. Home gardening would have to be an option. Life would definitely be an adjustment, as I am located a few miles from two different grocery stores.
While my particular county is known for having an abundance of fast food, there are at least healthier options available. Certainly "place" matters. However, in a more rural area, people are forced to become more self-sufficient. In such a place, one could adopt a healthier lifestyle by relying more on home-grown produce and not partaking in various fast food options. However, the opposite is true in a bigger city, where more variety is offered.