In partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank, students and faculty from Arizona State University have created a dashboard to address food insecurity in Arizona. This digital tool collects valuable data, such as census demographics, grocery store locations, and SNAP participation statistics.
During a workshop on February 9, food bank officials learned how to use this dashboard effectively. Assistant Professor Aaron Flores led the effort, emphasizing the importance of making the training accessible. “We met weekly for several months to develop straightforward training, especially for those new to this kind of software,” he noted.
The dashboard revealed significant food insecurity, particularly in tribal areas. Flores highlighted that these regions are particularly affected: “While food insecurity exists elsewhere, it’s evident that our tribal lands face some of the highest rates.”
As of 2023, over 1 million people in Arizona—approximately 14% of the population—struggle with food insecurity, according to Feeding America. This situation further underscores the need for effective tools and resources for food banks.
To put things in perspective, food insecurity has been an ongoing issue in the U.S. For example, back in 2000, about 11% of Americans faced hunger challenges. Despite efforts to alleviate the problem, rates have fluctuated, indicating the need for continuous support and solutions.
Recent data shows that initiatives like ASU’s dashboard are crucial. They not only help food banks understand their demographics better but also allow them to optimize resource distribution where it’s needed most. Community responses have been positive, with many emphasizing how such tools can drive real change in addressing food insecurity.
For more information about the ongoing challenges of food insecurity and ways to support local efforts, you can visit Feeding America here.
