Open data provide the opportunity to be reactive to “shocks to the system”. This paper presents the methodology behind the construction of the “Priority Places for Food Index” and accompanying interactive geo-visualisation, in response to growing food insecurity in the UK associated with the increase in cost-of-living. The Priority Places for Food Index highlights drivers of food insecurity across seven domains around access and affordability of food at a small area geography. We highlight how ongoing engagement with policy makers and key stakeholders has driven the development of the current and planned future iterations of the index.