8th International Conference on Body Area Networks

Research Article

Participatory Sensing for Fighting Food Deserts

  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/icst.bodynets.2013.253921,
        author={Ashley Yu and Ani Nahapetian},
        title={Participatory Sensing for Fighting Food Deserts},
        proceedings={8th International Conference on Body Area Networks},
        publisher={ICST},
        proceedings_a={BODYNETS},
        year={2013},
        month={10},
        keywords={participatory sensing urban sensing mobile computing obesity public health},
        doi={10.4108/icst.bodynets.2013.253921}
    }
    
  • Ashley Yu
    Ani Nahapetian
    Year: 2013
    Participatory Sensing for Fighting Food Deserts
    BODYNETS
    ACM
    DOI: 10.4108/icst.bodynets.2013.253921
Ashley Yu,*, Ani Nahapetian1
  • 1: California State University, Northridge
*Contact email: ashleycyu@gmail.com

Abstract

We present a participatory sensing system, which collects food availability information in communities via individual food consumption information, for fighting food deserts. Users leverage the NutriSmart Android app developed to record food purchases and consumption choices. This information can then be aggregated and mapped across users. The results of the system can be used to lobby for change in schools and communities, where lack of accessibility to fresh food choices limits healthy choices that individuals make. The system, the implementation, and the results of a 3-week case study in San Jose are presented.