Explanation

Introduction

The Food Access and Strategy Simulation tool is a powerful resource for analyzing and simulating the effects of adding or removing stores on household food access. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you navigate and utilize the tool effectively.

Key Features of the Interface

1. Map Overview

   • Legend:
     • Supermarkets: Represented by hexagons.
     • Convenience Stores: Represented by small triangles.
     • Households: Shaped like houses.
       • High Food Access: Green.
       • Medium Food Access: Orange/Yellow.
       • Low Food Access: Red.
   • The map is interactive, allowing you to navigate, zoom, and click on specific elements to explore detailed information about stores and households.

2. Household Data

• Attributes available for each household include:
  • Income
    • Household size
    • Number of vehicles
    • Number of workers
    • Proximity to the nearest store (within a mile)
    • Transit time (public and private)
    • Food access score
  • Data is sourced from the Census Bureau and Google Maps, ensuring accuracy and relevance. The data reflects real-world locations as closely as possible, with granularity at the census tract level.

3. Community Data Bar

• Aggregated metrics displayed for the selected area:
  • Total number of households
  • Number of supermarkets and convenience stores
  • Average household income
  • Average number of household vehicles