Wisconsin food security project: Visualizing and accessing data on food access and the food security infrastructure in Wisconsin

Introduction – The food insecurity rate in WI (11.3%) masks considerable intrastate variation. In the absence of sub-state food security estimates, the Wisconsin Food Security Project (WFSP), an interactive data and mapping tool, was developed to help planners and policymakers assess the local food security infrastructure. Approach – A previously developed framework was used to conceptualize relevant dimensions of the local food security infrastructure—including economic security, extent of federal nutrition programs, emergency food, and the retail food environment. Secondary data were gathered to characterize these dimensions, as well as health outcomes, at the sub-state level. Food-related resources (food retailers accepting SNAP, food pantries, farmers markets, schools offering breakfast, etc) were identified and geo-coded. A cutting-edge interactive mapping/charting/data portal was developed. Results – Portal features include interactive mapping, charts, customizable profiles, and data downloads. Two types of data are available: local characteristics describing attributes of an area (county, school district, municipality, etc.) and specific food-related resources mapped to precise locations. The various features allow users to interact with the data, providing a lens into community food security. Discussion – Engaging diverse community members, program planners, and policymakers in participatory assessment methods to uncover assets, barriers, and disparities in food access and food security is critical. The complexity of food security and related risk factors is not easily captured and understood with secondary data sets. WFSP provides a tool to visualize food access and food security data, and can be combined with local insights to guide data driven and place-based programming.