Examining Farmers’ Market Locations: What Are the Key Neighborhood Factors?

Abstract

While the spatial inequality literature suggests that underserved communities of color face limited access to farmers’ markets, most empirical studies have examined market patrons rather than the neighborhood factors shaping their spatial distribution. Therefore, the present study examines how sociodemographic and built environment characteristics affect the location of farmers’ markets across Los Angeles County block groups, drawing on data from the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Logistic regression models of main effects provide little evidence that farmers’ markets are systematically located in socioeconomically advantaged block groups. However, moderation analyses reveal a more nuanced pattern, with results consistent with both spatial inequality and spatial optimization perspectives. Farmers’ markets are most likely where diverse land uses coincide with populations that are either highly educated or high income. Policy implications of these findings are discussed to advance food equity.