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The role of location in private food assistance: client travel patterns and accessibility

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  • Yan, Minhao
  • Just, David R.
  • Byrne, Anne T.
  • Zhang, Dongyue

Abstract

We use cell phone location data to examine the social welfare impacts of spatial access to food pantries in the Southern Tier of New York State. Using weekly travel patterns of those living in census tracts identified as having high rates of food insecurity and the location and operating hours of pantries, we calculate the additional travel cost required to access a food pantry. Using this same method, we can examine the impact of relocating pantries or opening/closing pantries on social welfare. We find that strategically introducing new pantries in rural counties could improve welfare. Alternatively, urban counties appear to be much more affected by the limitations of current operating hours than by the geolocation of pantries.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Minhao & Just, David R. & Byrne, Anne T. & Zhang, Dongyue, 2026. "The role of location in private food assistance: client travel patterns and accessibility," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:138:y:2026:i:c:s0306919225002349
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.103029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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