Diversity of the food supply in urban environments of Chile: A comparative georeferenced study between Santiago and Antofagasta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12873/461xrodriguezKeywords:
Food environment, georeferencing , food supply, food diversityAbstract
Introduction: The configuration of the food environment directly influences the eating habits and nutritional health of the population. In Chile, although research on these environments has increased in the Metropolitan Region, gaps still exist in other urban areas such as Antofagasta, making it difficult to understand territorial inequalities in access to healthy food.
Objective: Analyze the diversity of the food supply in the cities of Santiago and Antofagasta using georeferencing tools and ecological indices, characterizing territorial differences in food environments.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive and comparative study was conducted in two cities in Chile. Nutrition and Dietetics students collected data by recording food establishments within a four-block radius of their homes. The establishments were classified as healthy (SAL), unhealthy (NOSAL), mixed (MIX), and supermarkets (SUPER). The data were compiled in Excel spreadsheets, and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Food diversity was assessed using the Shannon and Simpson indices. The results were presented in tables, graphs, and thematic maps.
Results: A total of 323 establishments were identified: 165 in Santiago and 158 in Antofagasta. In both cities, unhealthy food options predominated, especially in districts like Lo Prado and Independencia. However, Antofagasta showed greater food diversity, with a more balanced distribution of establishment types, reflected in higher diversity indices (Shannon Index: 1.29 vs. 1.14; Simpson Index: 0.68 vs. 0.63).
Conclusions: Both cities exhibit food environments characterized by a greater availability of unhealthy foods and intra-urban inequalities. Georeferencing and ecological indices allow for a precise characterization of the urban food structure. These findings reinforce the need for urban and public health policies aimed at improving access to healthy food and reducing territorial inequities in Chile.
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