The ERS Food Access Research Atlas (FARA) is periodically updated to incorporate new data and methodological improvements. This page compiles updates and revisions to data since 2011.
For information about methods used to produce FARA, see the Documentation.
July 2026
ERS introduced a new mapping application within FARA, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized Retailer Access Map (SRAM), as well as renamed the existing atlas to the Large Retailer Access Map (LRAM).
April 2021
In April 2021, ERS updated FARA and its Low-Income and Low-Access (LILA) measures using updated estimates of census tracts with low income and limited food store access. These revisions were based on a 2019 directory of supermarkets, supercenters, and large grocery stores derived from the Store Tracking and Redemption System (STARS) directory of stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits and TDLinx, and 2014–18 American Community Survey data on household vehicle access and family income. Because census tract boundaries had not changed since 2015 and 2010, this version of FARA could directly compare the number of census tracts that are low-income, low-access, both low-income/low-access, and other indicators in 2019 with similar estimates from 2015 and 2010. Comparisons of census tract boundaries were not available earlier than 2010 because the previous analyses used 2010 census-tract geography, while the original Food Desert Locator used 2000 census-tract geography.
The methods for this version are described in EIB-236, Low-Income and Low-Foodstore-Access Census Tracts, 2015–19. For data, see Food Access Research Atlas Data Download 2019.
January 2017
In January 2017, ERS updated FARA estimates of low income and low supermarket access (LILA) census tracts. These updates were based on a 2015 directory of supermarkets, supercenters, and large grocery stores derived from a STARS directory of stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits and TDLinx, 2010 Decennial Census data on population characteristics, and 2010–2014 American Community Survey data on household vehicle access and family income. Because census tract boundaries had not changed since 2010, FARA could directly compare the number of census tracts that are low-income, low-access, both low-income/low-access, and other indicators in 2015 with similar estimates from 2010. Comparisons of census tract boundaries were not available earlier than 2010 because the previous analyses used 2010 census-tract geography, while the original Food Desert Locator used 2000 census-tract geography.
The methods for this version are described in EIB-165, Low-Income and Low-Supermarket-Access Census Tracts, 2010-2015. For data, see 2015 Food Access Research Atlas.
May 2013
In May 2013, ERS updated FARA (previously called the Food Desert Locator) estimates of low income and low supermarket access (LILA) census tracts. These updates were based on a 2010 directory of supermarkets, supercenters, and large grocery stores derived from a STARS directory of stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits and TDLinx, 2010 Decennial Census data on population characteristics, and 2006–10 American Community Survey data on household vehicle access and family income. 2010 census tract geographies were used. Added estimates by income, vehicle availability, and other population characteristics such as age, race, and SNAP households.
The methods for this version are described in ERR-143, Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food: Updated Estimates of Distance to Supermarkets Using 2010 Data. For documentation and data, see 2010 Food Access Research Atlas.
May 2011
In May 2011, ERS developed the Food Desert Locator estimates of low income and low-access census tracts. These updates were based on a 2006 directory of supermarket or large grocery stores derived from a STARS directory of stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits and TDLinx and 2000 Decennial Census data on population and housing. 2000 census tract geographies were used.
The methods for this version are described in AP-036, Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food-Measuring and Understanding Food Deserts and Their Consequences: Report to Congress. For documentation and data, see Archived 2006 Food Desert Locator.