Background

Welcome to the Food Environment Electronic Database Directory (FEED), a web-based tool that can be used as a guide to connect food environment researchers to concepts and data sources in the United States for use in assessing food environments. 

The food environment and its measurement feature in ongoing public health research, and evidence-based action strategies to support healthy nutritional intake and health improvements. To this end, researchers from the Urban Health Collaborative at Drexel University have partnered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) and sought funding from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Public Health Training Center to create an online resource to guide the selection of data sources and the operationalization of food environment measures.

On an annual basis, researchers from the Urban Health Collaborative screen, review, and extract information about the most-up-to-date food environment data sources. These sources are then compiled and indexed using Smartsheet to provide users with the capability to search the directory of relevant and available data sources to analyze  the food environment. Making this information available to food environment researchers and local health departments has the potential to support their work addressing inequities through a focus on communities with limited food access or ongoing food insecurity.

How to

Click here to begin search or select Search from the navigation bar at the top of the page.

See below for an overview of all data sources that are currently indexed in FEED.

FAQ

How do I search?

To search, begin by selecting a specific search criteria from the ‘Search Data Sources” menu on the Search page. 

How do I refine my search?

After initiating a search using the previously described steps, users can refine their search by selecting additional search terms from the ‘Refine Search’ menu.

How can I add data sources to FEED?

As food environment data sources continue to emerge and evolve, we encourage users to submit proposed data sources for inclusion using the user survey.

How often is FEED updated?

The food environment data sources indexed in FEED are updated annually. Each year, researchers identify, screen, and review relevant data sources for inclusion. 

How does it work?

FEED works by indexing food environment data sources in a single directory. This directory allows users to search food environment data sources and examine the most-up-to-date details pertaining to food environment data sources.