In 2005 several areas in the city of Springfield area were designated as Food Deserts. There are 16 census tracts that are considered Food Deserts in the Greater Springfield area, with 4 in Springfield proper. However the census tract that overlaps the Mason Square neighborhood has the most highly concentrated factors for this issue by meeting all of the leading indicators for food access deficiencies. This is demonstrated by the results of the USDA Food Access Atlas Indicator Tool shown in Figure 1.1.
The following figure 1.2, highlights the difficulty that a lack of mobility presents for the elderly in terms of healthy food access. According to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus schedule planning tool, this is the quickest route
The following figure 1.2, highlights the difficulty that a lack of mobility presents for the elderly in terms of healthy food access. According to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus schedule planning tool, this is the quickest route