Food Insecurity in Morris County: A Spatial Analysis for the Interfaith Food Pantry

The Drew University Spatial Data Center, in conjunction with student participation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), agreed to assist the Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP) and Pat McGuinn’s Community Based Learning (CBL) coursework in Political Science, by providing a spatial analysis of food insecurity in Morris County. The original aims of this study were to 1) Identify locations and populations with the greatest food needs in Morris County, and 2) Help devise a plan to best meet those needs. This exploratory report of food needs in Morris County goes some way toward answering the first question. First, a snapshot of the working poor is examined, using information from the United Way ALICE Report for New Jersey. Then, demographic and geographic differences in poverty, the working poor, and IFP clients are assessed. Four methods for identifying gaps in food access are considered, and an array of Morris County web maps for different audiences are reviewed. Last, extensions of this exploratory analysis are suggested. We hope to facilitate future discussions in a positive way, in which answers the second question about food distribution can benefit from this review of local demographic and food security measures.