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: Hardback
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 findings of these studies is the link between food insecurity and the larger economy. Food insecurity is not just a matter of individual or family circumstances, but is also deeply intertwined with broader economic trends and structures. For example, low-income workers are often paid less and have less job security, which makes it difficult for them to afford healthy food. Moreover, food insecurity can lead to other social and health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and mental health issues.

To address these issues, there are several pathways toward a more sustainable and just food system. One approach is to link the food system to the larger economy by promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting local food systems, and creating jobs in the food industry. This can help to reduce food waste, increase access to healthy food, and support local farmers and food producers.

Another approach is to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare. This can involve policies and programs that promote social and economic equity, such as income support, housing assistance, and education programs.

In addition to these policy-level interventions, there are also many 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 to provide access to healthy food, education and training programs, and other resources.

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 work toward creating more effective and equitable solutions.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032344942