Where Do People Buy Food in Lexington? 

According to the Economic Census
published by U.S. Census Bureau,in Lexington-Fayette County, there were 74 “grocery stores” in 2002. Despite a 10,277(or 4 percent) population increase during that period, this was 14 fewer than the 88 stores counted in 1997. Aside from the issue of fewer stores serving more people, there is the question: “Are grocery stores geographically distributed in a way that serves every Lexington resident?”

Let’s take a look at some maps to find out where food retail outlets are located. 

   Map of “Supermarkets” in Lexington

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Food Insecurity in Lexington

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the region with the 40508-zip code has the highest percentage of households within Lexington who live below poverty (U.S. Census Bureau 2000). As shown below, 36% of God’s Pantry’s clients in 2007 come from the 40508-zip code region (God’s Pantry Food Bank 2007). During the summer of 2006, we obtained the list of active establishments inspected by the Fayette County Health Department. Among those establishments, food retailers, excluding eateries, are mapped using the Geographic Information System (GIS), food retailers. The spatial distribution of food retailers in Lexington were combined with basic demographic data from the 2000 U.S. Census.

Map of Family Poverty in the 40508 Zip-Area
    

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Map of Family Poverty in Lexington
    

Map of African-American Population in Lexington

Case Study: Lexington North vs. Lexington South

In Fall 2006, seven graduate students in SOC517: Rural Sociology were divided into two groups to conduct case studies of two areas, (a) Lexington North and (b) Lexington South. These two case areas have the highest rates of poverty within the 40508 zip region.

Sources: US Census Bureau (2000), LFUCG Health Department (2006)

Lexington North Area encompasses census tracts 3 and 4. Bordered by North Limestone, East Loudon, Winchester Road, and East 3rd Street, the population of this area is roughly 6,000. It can be best characterized by its proportionally high percentage of Blacks (62%), relatively low rate of vehicle ownership (65%), and widespread poverty. With the poverty rate at 43%, and the medium income slightly over $16,500, this neighborhood is one of Lexington-Fayette’s most impoverished areas. According to the list of Fayette Health Department, there are 10 “grocery stores” in the census tract 3 and three in the tract 4. The intensity of poverty in the latter track appears to be higher than in the former.

Comparison of Demographic Characteristics Between Two Census Tracts in Lexington North, 2000.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2000)

Lexington South Area encompasses census tracts 9, 18 and 19 within the 40508-zip code region. This area was selected because the average median income of the three census tracts ranked the second lowest ($17,761) within Lexington.

Comparison of Demographic Characteristics Between Two Census Tracts in Lexington South, 2000.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2000)

However, Lexington South is distinctively different from Lexington North. Although 45 percent of the 9,500 residents of this area live in poverty, only 13 percent of the households live without a car, which is relatively low compared with other areas with high poverty rates in Lexington. This area is unique in that it borders the University of Kentucky campus. It is likely that a large proportion of the residents in this area are students. This partially explains a relatively high level of residents with a vehicle. Moreover, the area is very diverse in the socioeconomic status of the population. Geographically, the area can be generally described as a pie shaped segment bordered by Mason Headley Road on its southern boundary, Versailles Road and West High Street on its western boundary and West Maxwell Street on its northernmost boundary. From West Maxwell, the eastern boundary runs south on South Limestone, west on Virginia Avenue and then south on South Broadway until Mason Headley Road is reached. Two very large recreational sites, the Picadome Public Golf Course and the Red Mile horse race track dominate the southernmost segments of this area.

Community Food Mapping was conducted in the two case areas, in which a total of 90 food establishments were found.

Mapping of Food Establishments in Lexington North and Lexington South,
October 2007.

Note: 1. Gas stations are included in this category.

In Lexington South, many of restaurants and fast-food restaurants, and convenient stores are located on S. Broadway Rd. and Versailles Rd. Two “grocery stores” are small with an extremely limited selection of food; ordinary residents would not likely recognize them as “grocery stores.” Many food establishments in the South area are likely accessible only by customers with a vehicle. Compared to the South area, the North area appears to be served well by 16 grocery stores. Many of these stores are located within a walking distance. However, these stores are small corner stores with limited selection.