Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How can FEED help me get started with food environment? 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. 

• 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.

• What is the version number/date? The ‘Version Details’, such as the version number and date are presented on the home page and provide users with a brief overview of the current version and version roll-out date for FEED. 

  • • Note: This is distinct from version details, which exclusively deal with FEED functionality and user interface/experience. Update details describe changes to the food environment data sources currently indexed by FEED.

• 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. 

• What is the update date? The ‘Update Details’, such as the last update date, and the updating team member, indicate when the food environment data sources were most recently reviewed and updated on FEED. 

  • • Note: This is distinct from version details, which exclusively deal with FEED functionality and user interface/experience. Update details describe changes to the food environment data sources currently indexed by FEED.

• 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 do I cite FEED? We reccomend the following citation:

  • McCulley, E., Lovasi, G., Crossa, A., Etheredge, A., Boise, S., Bayer, J. (2024). Food Environment Electronic Database Directory (Version 7). Drexel University: Dornsife School of Public Health. www.foodenvironmentdirectory.com