App: FairBite
Hosted in ArcGIS Online:
Mission Statement
Economics provides a framework to understand the allocation of finite resources under scarcity, which builds a crucial foundation to understand how the dynamics in the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services can continue to sustain basic human requirements for future generations.[^1] Access to food is one of these requirements that is becoming increasingly inaccessible as costs of living rise. This has increased levels of food insecurity, which can be defined as the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. In 2018, 12.5% of households experienced some extent of food insecurity in British Columbia.[^2] In 2021, this number increased to 14.9% with disruptions in the global food supply and distribution chain after the COVID-19 pandemic.[^3] As of recently in the City of Vancouver, 10.9% of households reported experiencing food insecurity in 2023.[^2]
So how can we better achieve food security, a future in which all populations have equitable opportunities to physically and socioeconomically access sufficient and nutritious food to meet one’s dietary needs?[^4] FairBite aims to address the multiscalar and multidimensional nuances related to food insecurity in the City of Vancouver. The app is designed to measure the three core facets of food insecurity: food availability, accessibility, and affordability.[^5] Availability refers to the physical supply of nutritious food defined by its production and distribution patterns in the context of associated retailers. Accessibility refers to the ability to obtain food with considerations to travel time, distance, costs, and physical features. Affordability refers to the ability to purchase food within one’s means predicated on household income levels.
Video Presentation
Documentation
Team Members
Crystal Wang: (top meatball) I completed my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia in 2023. I am dedicated to advancing my technical skills as I continue my studies in BCIT’s GIS program. After completing my practicum with Safe Software and graduating, I am excited to enter the workforce and pursue a professional GIS career. In my free time, I enjoy eating good food, taking scenic walks, and playing video games.
Si Yeon Kim: (middle meatball) In 2023, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Forestry and majored in Forest Operation with honours at the University of British Columbia. I was inspired by GIS when I first used ArcGIS software to complete my forestry projects. At the end of the course, I demonstrated excellent knowledge of ArcGIS software capabilities by using spatial information and map production. Even though I have no experience working in the field of GIS, I want to pursue a career in GIS because I am interested in developing conceptual designs for GIS databases and analyzing GIS data to solve problems. Currently, I am attending the BCIT GIS program to obtain an Advanced Diploma and two months of practicum experience. With my practicum sponsor, Renewal Development, I am establishing a native mobile app for Road Network Analysis using ArcGIS Maps SDK and Visual Studio with .NET MAUI extension. Using cutting-edge technology from Esri is very entertaining and interesting, and it encourages me to learn more deeply about it. I work out to eat delicious food and enjoy watching movies and dramas on Netflix. All of these activities help me to relieve the stress from studying and working, keeping me motivated to thrive.
Sarah Chen: (bottom right meatball) I am currently completing my Advanced Diploma in GIS as a full-time student at BCIT with a practicum at Kerr Wood Leidal, where I am offering consulting services for water engineering clients. I graduated last year in 2024 with a BA in Environmental Geography and GIS at the University of Toronto. During this time, I used ESRI tools to develop an urban accessibility project with CANUE and conducted archival research to assess colonial land histories. I am passionate about continuing to address environmental equity concerns in my career by using GIS to democratize data and develop tools to sustainably aid disadvantaged communities. Outside of school you can find me cafe hopping, thrifting, and dancing at drop-in classes.