Abstract for: Decision Making in Food Systems: Understanding The Mental Models for Site Placement and Access of Food Retailers in Low-income Markets

Access to supermarkets and food retail has been associated with fresh food consumption. However, physical access to food- which is measured by identifying places where a household can obtain food, varies amongst population groups (Mabli et al., 2013). Studies indicate that access to food for consumers with low-income is limited primarily or even exclusively to local (non-chain) retailers with limited brands and higher prices (Ver Ploeg et al., 2009). To understand the complex behavior patterns of local retailers over time, a system dynamics model was developed. Examining the mental models of food retailers helps us understand the observed consequences of policy decisions in low-income markets. Mental models not only serve as a source of information for model building, they help visualize information feedback loops and decision-making in complex systems. Historical data from the qualitative findings was utilized as a starting point in our model. This also allowed us to examine any inferred future behaviors. Barrier #2: Findings reported food retail market analysis (practices) does not support store operations in low-income markets. We utilized historical evidence from the qualitative study as variables to replicate patterns and decision-making from retailers in low-income markets. Additional concepts will be developed in the causal loop model for further hypothesis exploration to prepare for development of a simulation model. Additionally, the study addresses a gap in literature regarding a greater depth of neighborhood assessment to enhance knowledge of local food retail environments. “A better understanding of the supply chain for small stores can inform effective strategies in these challenging retail food environments.”