I knew this whole food desert concept and the data behind it was a joke when the US government web site on food deserts showed Seabrook NH as a food desert.
There are 3 large grocery stores in the town, and several smaller food stores. The large ones are equally spread north to south on the state highway.
I found several other local mistakes, but that was the most glaring example.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/fooddesert/fooddesert.html
The concept of food deserts first came about in the UK in the early nineties. The narrative goes like this: poor urban neighborhoods suffer from poor health due to lack of access to fresh food. And concern over this has taken off stateside in recent years.
Cities across the country have instituted new produce carts, urban gardens, and farmers markets — wonderful, progressive, and healthful programs.
The only problem? They’re missing the point.
Two new studies detailed in the New York Times today find:
- Poor urban neighborhoods actually have more supermarkets per square mile than wealthier neighborhoods.
- There’s no observed relationship between how well children eat and the food available near their homes.
- Food access doesn’t correlate to child obesity.
Debunk, debunk, debunked.
Kelly D. Brownell, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, tells Gina Kolata of the Times:
“It is always easy to advocate for more grocery stores. But if you are looking for what you hope will change obesity, healthy food access is probably just wishful thinking.”
We clearly need a more comprehensive approach to addressing nutrition in underprivileged neighborhoods.
I’m not one to argue with bringing more fresh food to impoverished neighborhoods. But until public health campaigns bring greater focus to our overall relationship with food and respect for our bodies, those new organic produce stands are going to primarily benefit people already converted to healthful eating.
[via The New York Times]
Photo: Paul Lowry/Flickr
