Mapping Hunger to End It: GIS-Powered Pop-Up Markets and Equity-Focused Food Distribution in North Carolina

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, a leading member of the Feeding America network, launched an innovative GIS-powered initiative to enhance food access across its 34-county service area. Recognizing the challenges of food insecurity in underserved and rural communities, the organization sought to reimagine food distribution with data-driven strategies. Central to this effort is the Pop-Up Market initiative, no-cost, mobile farmers markets directly serving residents in identified areas where there are service gaps. To ensure these markets reached the right places, the Food Bank used ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online to visualize, analyse, and interpret data on food access, partner locations, service hours, and demographic needs.

These insights informed the strategic placement of Pop-Up Markets. Further enhancing decision-making and program efficiency, the Food Bank integrated ArcGIS Survey123 at every market to capture real-time data about attendees, household size, travel distance, age range, and meal needs. These layers of information enable precise tracking of food distribution volumes and community needs. The maps and dashboards are used internally to support inter-departmental collaboration and externally as models for other charities. By breaking down linguistic and geographic barriers, the Food Bank is advancing a more equitable, inclusive, and responsive food system.