Spatial accessibility to healthy food in context: Adapting current conceptualizations to a Latin American city

Abstract

The study aimed at conceptualizing adequate spatial accessibility to healthy food in Montevideo. The conceptualization was developed following three key steps: i) analysis of observational data on food purchasing behavior, ii) development of an initial definition, iii) validation and refinement with key local stakeholders. Primary data was obtained from a telephone survey with 505 residents to explore food purchasing patterns. Secondary data corresponded to surveys on household expenditure surveys and mobility. Observational data highlighted the diversity of food outlets where residents of Montevideo purchase their food. Small neighborhood stores were identified as key sources of healthy foods, especially for residents of low socio-economic status. Regarding food shopping trips, walking was identified as the main transportation mode. The median travel time was estimated to be 10 min or lower. Areas with adequate spatial accessibility to healthy food in Montevideo were defined as those where residents have access within 600 m to outlets selling all the following food groups: fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, or culinary ingredients. The methodological approach presented in the current study can be used by other authors to adapt current conceptualizations of spatial accessibility to healthy foods to their local context.