Bronzeville Food Access Study

The Centers for New Horizons (CNH) applied to LTA program to evaluate food access and security in the greater Bronzeville area. The City of Chicago designates Bronzeville as a food desert and many its residents lack access to healthy, affordable and nutritious foods. Based on the premise that community residents are in the best position to identify and describe their food access needs, the project aims is to involve residents in shaping local food policies to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable food. It is examines how and where residents obtain food and the barriers to accessing food resources in the neighborhood. The study involves conducting a community survey and three focus groups with seniors, public housing residents and homeowners, to assess availability of food, identify barriers to obtaining nutritionally adequate food, and determine whether public and/or private transportation is available to access food resources. Food resources are defined broadly to include retail food stores, famers markets, food cooperatives, food pantries, community gardens, urban farms, produce stands, and various food assistance programs. The study will provide information to educate the community about resourceful food practices and raise awareness of the unmet needs in the community. It will also provide data to help prioritize future food projects and inform food policy change in Bronzeville. The study is being done in collaboration with the City of Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development (DHED), and Chicago State University's Neighborhood Assistance Center (NAC). 

Final Deliverables

Bronzeville Food Access Study Report
Appendix A: Survey Results
Appendix B: Survey
Appendix C: Summary of Focus Group Discussions
Appendix D: Focus Group Discussion Guide