Food deserts are a relatively new concept to me. In simplified terms, these metaphoric “deserts”
are areas in which there are significantly more fast food restaurants than
there are healthier alternatives. This
phenomenon, unfortunately, is inextricably linked to environmental injustice in
that most food deserts occur in areas characterized by low socioeconomic status
and high minority rates.
Because the cash crops used extensively by the fast food
industry, such as potatoes and corn, are heavily subsidized by the government,
it is much more profitable to produce and sell fast food to Americans than it
is to sell organic, and other such under-subsidized products. Therefore, from the standpoint of a producer
trying to sell healthier foodstuffs, it would make more sense to open up shop
in an affluent community, as those consumers would be more willing to pay the
higher prices required for production.
The consumer viewpoint tells a similar story, as low-income families
often find that their money goes a much longer way at McDonald’s than it does
buying organic foods at a grocery store.
A bit about my own background, to which my viewpoint is also
inextricably linked: I was born and raised in a Northwest suburb of
Chicago. The population of my hometown
is about 80% white, with a median household income of around $94,391. (US
Census Bureau, 2010) There is a large
variety of grocery stores available to choose from; due to the trendiness of
the “organic” label within this demographic, many of these grocery stores have
hopped onto the organic bandwagon. There
is also, as with almost every other town in the United States, a wide range of
fast food restaurants: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell.
Interestingly, a third category has popped up in the recent
past: what I like to call “quasi” fast food.
This category contains restaurants which boast the convenience and speed
of fast food, but are generally considered to be healthier than their “McDonald’s-esque”
counterparts. Chains such as Chipotle
Mexican Grill, Noodles and Co., and Panera Bread Co have gained enormous
popularity in the recent past. Even more
interesting is the fact that these “quasi” fast food chains seem to be limited
to relatively affluent areas. This can be
attributed, at least in part, to the reason provided above: it is more
expensive to produce these healthier alternatives, and therefore more
profitable to locate these restaurants in more affluent communities.
By now, I have driven on I-57 between my hometown and my
school in Urbana-Champaign too many times to remember. Many of the towns passed during this three
hour journey are small towns, with populations ranging from 1,000 to
15,000. When looking at the exit signs
advertising the food offered in each town, I am often struck by the lack of
variety; almost every exit contains a McDonald’s and a Subway. There are usually few other options, and I
have yet to find a quasi-fast food restaurant at any of these stops. Given that many of these towns are
characterized by low or lower-middle class socioeconomic status, it is unlikely
that they are able to access healthier food options. (U.S. Census Bureau) This,
of course, can lead to higher incidences of diet-related illnesses such as
heart disease and diabetes.
When I first learned about the environmental injustice of
food deserts, I thought the whole thing seemed incredibly unfair. While I definitely enjoy the occasional fast-food
burger and fries, I like knowing that I have the option of healthier
choices. The idea that some families are
stranded on these fast food islands, with the consequent health effects, is
quite discouraging. I felt guilty for
ever having taken healthy foods for granted, any time I had chosen to eat fast
food over a home-cooked meal. This
environmental injustice is deeply rooted in economic and sociopolitical
problems that have long plagued this country.
Therefore, it seems as if there is little to nothing that everyday
consumers can do to make an actual change.
In theory, the best way to positively influence the system as consumers
would be to use our consumer power to demand more widespread accessibility of
healthier food alternatives.
Even this simple action is easier said than done, especially
for a college student. College campus
food must meet a few prerequisites: it must be quick, cheap, and tasty. It’s unsurprising, then, that the late-night
study snacks of choice are instant mac n’ cheese and the like. Last year, the University opened a McDonald’s
on campus. It quickly became one of the
most crowded places on campus day in and day out. Students love that they can get in and out
within a few minutes, and only spend $2.00 for an entire meal. How, then, is this generation supposed to
enact change?
Source:
U.S. Census
Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. Data derived from Population Estimates,
American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, County Business
Patterns, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits, Census
of Governments
Last Revised: Friday, 29-May-2015 11:28:18 EDT
Last Revised: Friday, 29-May-2015 11:28:18 EDT
