Do the Poor Pay More for Food? A Review of Food Price Disparities in Urban Environments

Abstract

The rising rates of obesity in the United States are a major public health concern. Disproportionately high rates of obesity among low-income individuals are partially attributable to disparities in access to healthful food. Given the limited budgets of low-income populations, recent research on food price differences between affluent and low-income communities has implications for public health policy. This systematic review looks at studies of food price differences throughout the United States. The studies provide evidence that food is more expensive in higher-income areas relative to low-income areas, healthy food is generally more expensive than less healthy options, and farmers’ markets are less expensive than conventional retail food stores. Suggestions are made to improve the reliability and validity of measures for each dimension of access before conducting additional studies of the comprehensive environment.

KEYWORDS:

• food access
• urban
• low-income
• affordability
• retail food price
• farmers’ market
• supermarket
• food cost
• food store