Food Deserts and Food Insecurity in the UK: Exploring Social Inequality

In the UK, food insecurity has become a reality for many households due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living. This book offers a new framework to examine the many influences on local-level food inequalities, from individual circumstances to where a person lives. It documents the transition from area-based framing of food resources to approaches that focus on household food poverty and the rise of food banks. By proposing a new framework for food insecurity research and drawing on real-world examples, the book aims to support academic and applied researchers in understanding and mitigating the impacts of food insecurity in local communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the United Kingdom (UK), food insecurity remains a pressing social issue, with disparities in access to healthy and nutritious food exacerbating existing inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the vulnerability of low-income households, who face increased financial strain and reduced employment opportunities. This book explores the complex social dynamics that contribute to food insecurity in the UK, drawing parallels with the United States (US).

Access to food in the UK, particularly healthy food, is a constant concern for many individuals, despite the country's relative wealth. Crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have coincided with a steep rise in the cost of living, leading to a significant increase in household food insecurity. According to estimates, around one in five households in the UK experienced food insecurity in 2020-2021, with children and older adults being particularly vulnerable.

The book introduces a novel framework to examine the various factors that contribute to local-level food inequalities, whether they result from individual circumstances or geographical location. By considering the interplay between individual, household, and community-level factors, the framework aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of food security. It will be valuable for researchers new to the field, as well as those with more experience, allowing them to explore the multifaceted influences on food access and security.

The book provides a thorough background to two key concepts: food deserts and food insecurity. It documents the transition from an area-based framing of food resources to approaches that focus on household food poverty and the rise of food banks. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse range of place-based factors that shape experiences of food insecurity, including transport, employment, rural isolation, and local politics. By proposing a new framework for food insecurity research, the book encourages researchers to acknowledge and explore the ever-changing landscape of factors that contribute to food insecurity in local communities.

This book will appeal to a wide range of students and scholars interested in food and nutrition security, public health, sociology, and food policy. It will provide valuable insights into the social inequalities surrounding food insecurity and offer practical solutions to address these challenges. Food policy professionals and policymakers will also find this book useful, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to food insecurity and offers recommendations for improving access to healthy and nutritious food.

In conclusion, food insecurity remains a significant social issue in the UK and the US, with disparities in access to healthy and nutritious food exacerbating existing inequalities. This book offers a novel framework for examining these issues and provides valuable insights into the complex social dynamics that contribute to food insecurity. By recognizing the diverse range of place-based factors that shape experiences of food insecurity, researchers and policymakers can work towards creating more equitable and sustainable food systems.

Weight: 331g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032026756