From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
Bradenton, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced the launch of an innovative mapping technology to more precisely assess communities in need across Florida.
“Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy” uses Geographic Information Systems, or GIS technology, to view data from the statewide view down to the street level and is the first time that a state agency has employed GIS technology to identify gaps in resources on a statewide level.
“The possibilities of this roadmap are unlimited,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It will help state agencies like mine make better-informed decisions about where we use our limited resources to support Florida communities at greatest risk. This tool also will assist nonprofits, food banks and other organizations to identify gaps in resources, determine the most effective approaches and yield a greater impact on the residents of Florida.”
One out of six Floridians is considered food insecure, including one out of four children. Collectively, more than 3 million people in Florida are food insecure.
This interactive, online map overlays data available on health and wellness by census track, including food deserts, food stamp households and death rates attributable to nutrition-related diseases. Next, the map overlays assets that are available to assist communities, including food banks, food pantries, farmers markets, child nutrition programs, federally-qualified health centers and school performance, among others.
The data can be used to help organization determine how to use limited resources to have the greatest impact on the communities most in need. It will establish benchmarks so future progress can be measured and the most effective strategies can be determined. The tool is customizable so organizations can overlay their own data on top to help make strategic decisions.
The pilot use of this tool has already shown promise in the department’s Summer BreakSpot program, which provides summer meals to children in need. The department used data on food stamp households and overlaid that with locations of Summer BreakSpot sites. Then partners were recruited in specific areas to fill the gaps identified. Children served by Summer BreakSpot increased 12 percent this year.
To explore “Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy,” go to www.FreshFromFlorida.com/RoadmaptoHealth.