Research has begun to focus on the link between access to community food options and food consumption for adults; however few studies have examined the influence of food environments on young children and their families. Due to this lack of research, the purpose of this project was to initiate a pilot study to examine food environments in four predominately African American areas in the South side of Chicago. Future research needs were determined and appropriate methods, analysis, and resources to support a larger investigation in this area were identified. Dr. Odoms-Young’s project was a supplement to Safety and Built Environments Relationship to Children’s Physical Activity: A Pilot Study, another Active Living Research project lead by Principal Investigator Dr. Maryann Mason. An in-depth assessment of availability, cost, and quality of community food options were used to define food environments. Child and family food consumption was assessed using family interviews.