Household Food Insecurity in an Urban Food Desert: A Descriptive Analysis of an African American Community

ABSTRACT

This study examined food insecurity in a predominately African American urban food desert via a mail survey designed to identify and describe the conditions, characteristics, and perceptions of residents in this food environment. The results support past research by showing that food insecurity occurs on a regular basis within many of the households but especially among lower income households, those on food-assistance programs, and those without access to a motor vehicle. The study also sheds light on the many barriers that perpetuate food insecurity and the challenges faced by Blacks and other minorities living in urban food-insecure environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Food insecurity
• food deserts
• food disparities
• food justice
• African Americans

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the students and residents who contributed to this research, the reviewers who help support its publication, and Chester Green and Al Lathan for their guidance along the way.