Food Insecurity

Food Insecurity and Health Issues
A very important measure in determining the conditions behind health issues is food security. The World Health Organization states that food security is determined by 3 factors; food availability, food access, and food knowledge. Individuals with a wealth of resources are relatively secure when it comes to food. Where food security becomes problematic is in low income areas with a lack of food and resources.
A study done in Philadelphia in 2008 examined food knowledge among African Americans in a low income neighborhood. What they discovered through interviews conducted with 33 adults was that the importance of a balanced diet was understood, but mostly out of reach (Lucan, Barg, Karasz, Palmer & Long 2011).
The amount of convenience stores compared to the amount of stores that provide produce is shocking. One of the key components of a low income neighborhood is that they have very poor access to grocery stores (Larson, Story, & Nelson 2009). Instead, neighborhoods are polluted with convenience stores that provide very little to no healthy options. Research done into food availability conducted by Hilary Gebaeur and Melissa Laska looked into why an abundance of convenience stores is problematic. Audits of stores surrounding secondary schools in Minnesota revealed that there were specific patterns of what kinds of food were available. Healthier options such as sandwiches and salads were occasionally available but at marked up prices, all while unhealthy options like snacks and finger foods covered the store with product and advertisement (Gebauer and Laska 2011). The more nutritional value the food has such as fruit and yogurt, the less they would appear. Beverages were one of the most popular items at convenience stores. Sodas and sugary drinks were sold in individual packages and bottles and advertised with imagery around the store. Meanwhile, juices were unequally listed; “100% fruit juice was often sold in multiple-serving containers, which may promote excess intake”(Gebauer and Laska: 620). This availability poses a major threat to health because it could be some of the only sources of nutrition for disadvantaged individuals. Greasy and fat ridden foods bundled at low prices is certainly an indicator of why obesity and poor nutrition is so prevalent among these communities. The healthiest options at these convenience stores are scarcely available and expensive which prevent people from getting a sufficient amount of quality nutrition. It proves that access to markets and lesser amounts of convenience stores in the community