Jan Petros J. Esparagoza
University of the Philippines, Manila
Title: An Assessment of Food Availability and Food Accessibility around a university in Manila, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Jan Petros J. Esparagoza
Abstract
Schools are essential environments for growth and development of both students and faculties. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding food environment in the Philippines particularly around schools. As such, the study characterized the food environment around a university in Manila in terms of food availability and food accessibility.
A descriptive research design was utilized and total enumeration of food stores within three blocks from the campus was done. Food availability was assessed through direct observation using EPI Info v. 7 and was analyzed through descriptive statistics. Food accessibility was assessed using a mobile GPS application and was visualized through Arc GIS v. 10 through kernel density mapping and hotspot mapping. Buffers were also set at 100 meters and 200 meters from the centroids assigned.
High-sugar/energy-dense beverages, empty calories and canned meat products were found to be sold immediately outside the campus, and were more prevalent compared to healthier alternatives. Only a few food stores sold vegetables and fruits, with a few found immediate outside. In addition, stores that do sell fruits/vegetables were found to have only a few varieties, with only one store selling more than 10 kinds of fresh produce within 200 meters from the centroids in the campus.
Findings showed that the food environment around the university is potentially obesogenic and is less capable of providing the essential nutrients needed by an individual. Thus, a healthy food environment should be promoted within and around the university to encourage its constituents to avail of healthier food products.