The political geography of contemporary Britain
Felix Driver
In the past decade, progressive public health advocates and food justice activists have increasingly argued that deserts, which they define as neighborhoods lacking available healthy foods, are responsible for diet-related problems disproportionately plague low-income communities of color. This well meaning approach is a marked improvement over victim-blaming often accompanies popular portrayals disparities in it attempts to shift emphasis from individual eaters structural issues equitable development supply health-inducing opportunities. However, we argue even these supply-side approaches fail take into account foodways – cultural, social economic practices, habits desires those who reside so-called deserts. this paper, present five independently conducted studies Oakland Chicago investigate how people eat, where shop, what motivates their choices. Our data reveals cost, not lack knowledge or physical distance, primary barrier access, employ wide variety strategies obtain foods prefer at prices can afford. paper speaks academic debates on systems, movements cultures. We hope policy makers, planners will also draw ensure interventions match needs, skills seek serve.
Journal of Historical Geography