Food deserts in Leon County, FL: disparate distribution of food stamp accepting stores by neighborhood characteristics

This study examined the distribution of food stamp accepting stores by neighborhood racial composition, income, and rurality in Leon County, FL. The lists of food store and food stamp accepting stores were obtained from ReferenceUSA, a commercial business directory, and USDA, respectively. The proportions of different type of food stamp accepting stores were compared by neighborhood characteristics. Out of 288 food stores available, 45.1% were accepting food stamps. Of the 48 neighborhoods, 37.5% had no food stamp accepting stores. Proportions of food stamp accepting grocery stores were significantly different by neighborhood racial composition and income. Primarily black neighborhoods had no supermarkets. This study suggests that a disparity exist in the distribution of food stamp accepting store across neighborhoods characteristics.