Food Justice in American Cities: Stories of Health and Resilience

This book examines food insecurity and food injustice in a range of cities across the US, identifying the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of food insecure populations and discussing pathways toward a more sustainable and just food system. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of food justice, food security, urban food and agriculture, urban sustainability, and sustainable food systems.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Food insecurity and food injustice are complex issues that affect many cities across the United States. These issues not only impact the availability and access to food, but also raise broader questions about the food economy and its potential to foster justice, sustainability, and combat hunger and waste.

To better understand these challenges, researchers have conducted extensive studies in a range of cities to identify the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of food insecure populations. These studies have revealed that food insecurity is often disproportionately affecting low-income individuals, families, and communities of color.

One of the key challenges facing food insecurity is the lack of access to affordable and nutritious food. This can lead to poor health outcomes, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as increased food waste. Moreover, food insecurity can have a significant impact on social and economic mobility, as individuals who are unable to afford healthy food may be limited in their ability to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities.

In response to these challenges, there are a number of pathways toward a more sustainable and just food system. One approach is to link the food system to the larger economy, recognizing the economic and social benefits of a healthy and sustainable food system. This can include promoting local and regional food production, supporting small-scale farmers, and investing in food-related industries and jobs.

Another important pathway toward a more sustainable and just food system is to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, discrimination, and climate change. This can involve policies and programs that promote social and economic equity, such as income support, housing assistance, and access to education and healthcare.

In addition to these policy-level interventions, there are also a number of community-based initiatives that are working to address food insecurity and promote justice. These initiatives often involve partnerships between community organizations, farmers, and local government agencies, and focus on increasing access to healthy food, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing food waste.

One example of a community-based initiative is the Urban Agriculture Alliance, which works to promote urban agriculture and increase access to healthy food in low-income communities. The alliance provides training and resources to community members, supports local farmers, and works to develop urban gardens and farms.

Another example is the Food Bank for New York City, which is a nonprofit organization that provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families in New York City. The food bank works to distribute food through a network of over 1,000 food pantries and soup kitchens, and also provides nutrition education and other support services to help individuals improve their food security.

Overall, food insecurity and food injustice are complex issues that require a multi-faceted approach. By linking the food system to the larger economy, addressing the root causes of food insecurity, and promoting community-based initiatives, we can work toward a more sustainable and just food system that benefits all individuals and communities.

This research will be of great interest to students and scholars of food justice, food security, urban food and agriculture, urban sustainability, and sustainable food systems more broadly. By studying the experiences of food insecure populations in different cities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these communities, and develop strategies and policies to address these issues more effectively.

In conclusion, food insecurity and food injustice are complex issues that require a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. By studying these issues in a range of cities across the United States, we can better understand the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of food insecure populations, and develop pathways toward a more sustainable and just food system. This research will be of great interest to students and scholars of food justice, food security, urban food and agriculture, urban sustainability, and sustainable food systems more broadly.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032344904