Exploring how local food environments affect community health

A Systems Approach to Understanding the Interacting Factors of the Local Food Environment for Population Health

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10680389

This study looks at how the food options available in your neighborhood, along with things like your weight and money situation, affect what you buy to eat, and it aims to find ways to help communities make healthier choices.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10680389 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationships between local food environments and population health. It examines how factors like food availability in stores, individual characteristics such as weight status, and economic resources influence food purchasing behaviors. By using advanced system science methods, including agent-based modeling, the research aims to identify key mechanisms that can be targeted for effective health interventions and policies. This approach seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how to improve health behaviors in communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in communities where food access and dietary habits are being studied.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in the targeted communities or who have no interest in dietary behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that enhance dietary habits and overall community health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using system science approaches to understand complex health behaviors, indicating that this methodology is promising.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.