BACKGROUND: Shanghai is undergoing rapid population ageing, increasing demand for equitable community-based care. Government-led senior meal programs are a key local food-environment action to support healthy ageing in place, yet evidence on their effective service capability and spatial equity remains limited. METHODS: This study estimated older residents' access to meal services using an improved Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (Ga2SFCA) model, integrating 2025 gridded population data (aged ≥ 60) with geocoded facility locations and district-level demographic calibration. Facility supply was parameterized as meals-per-session capacity under both policy-minimum and robustness scenarios. Overall inequality was assessed using the Gini coefficient, spatial clustering of supply-demand mismatch was examined using Local Moran's I, and public-commercial coordination was evaluated using the Local Colocation Quotient (LCLQ). RESULTS: Citywide inequality in per-capita meal-service capability was substantial (Gini = 0.619), demonstrating a pronounced urban-rural contrast. Capability was lower in central urban areas and adjacent neighborhoods, whereas suburban town centers exhibited relatively higher capability; nevertheless, peripheral service gaps persisted. Supply-demand mismatch showed significant spatial clustering. LCLQ results indicated greater spatial feasibility for government-guided commercial participation in central districts, while peri-urban areas demonstrated weaker coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Planning based solely on administrative coverage targets is insufficient. A capability-oriented framework is required, prioritizing joint public-commercial provision where spatial feasibility is high and targeted interventions in peripheral blind spots to improve equitable access for older residents.
Huang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.