“Food deserts” is a term utilized in reference to neighborhoods with limited healthy, affordable food. A study posted in the Johns Hopkins Magazine in 2014 revealed more minority neighborhoods are food deserts compared to predominately white neighborhoods. Residents living in food deserts are constantly pursuing avenues in search of finding healthy, affordable food. Food deserts host limited farmers’ markets each year. Farmers’ markets are helpful to communities in many ways. First, farmers’ markets bring a decent selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents. Second, farmers’ markets bring a selection of fresh produce that is sold for a fraction of average supermarket prices.
Neighborhood Income
One factor related to minority neighborhood food deserts is income. Experts believe food deserts are related to a neighborhood income. Supermarket and grocery store chains refuse to build in some low-income neighborhoods. These companies are in it for a profit. If a profit is not possible, most chains will not move forward, which is why there are numerous supermarket chains in rich neighborhoods.
Poverty Rates
Poverty rates also impact the decision to open supermarkets in minority neighborhoods. In 2019, the poverty rate for Blacks was 18.8 percent, the lowest since 1959. The Black poverty rate in 2018 was only slightly higher at 20.8 percent. According to a report published on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) on November 7, 2016, revealed blacks living in neighborhoods poorer than other Americans are declining. In other words, the neighborhood poverty gap between blacks and whites had narrowed between 1980 and 2010.
Blacks continue to reside in poor neighborhoods in 2010. In fact, blacks were almost four times more apt to reside in neighborhoods with a poverty rate of 40 percent or higher than whites and Asians.
Blacks And Gambling
Another study revealed that blacks are more likely than whites to experience problems related to gambling. Black consumers like white consumers enjoy spending time at online gambling sites. The study was posted on the International Center for Responsible Gambling (ICRG) website in February 2011.
The study, conducted by Dr. Declan Barry compared white and black respondent behaviors – mental health and Problem and Pathological Gambling (PPG) – related to gambling.
The connection between poverty and gambling has been contributed to mental illness, violence, homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma.
Easier Access To Junk Food
Evidence shows Black neighborhoods are more likely to have small grocery stores than supermarkets. Small grocery stores offer more junk foods than healthy fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and whole-grain foods. Experts claim a Slushie is more accessible in Black neighborhoods than healthy beverages.
When young Black children visit their neighborhood small grocery stores, they oftentimes come out with a soda, bag of chips, and candy. It is unclear, whether or not these children would opt for healthy food instead if it was available.
High Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
A study conducted by researchers at Emory University Hospital revealed Black women are at a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Black women between the ages of 20 and 39 are at a high risk of developing heart disease, according to the Women’s Heart Center 10,000 Women Project in Atlanta. The study determined the risk factors were obesity and high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Nishant Vasta, a resident at Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital, assessed data of 945 Black females between 2015 and 2018. Health markers that were analyzed include cholesterol and blood pressure levels, body mass index, socioeconomic factors, such as health insurance, income level, education, and lifestyle choices, such as physical activities, dietary, and smoking.
The study revealed, 1 in 3 Black women between the ages of 20 and 39 reported consuming fast food at least 3 times per week, and 2 out of 5 utilized a high amount of salt each day. The researchers noted the primary risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease are high blood pressure and obesity.
Summary
Experts suggest policymakers assess infrastructure quality in minority neighborhoods to determine if it might possibily support supermarket chains and other businesses. More should be done to bring healthy food products to Black neighborhoods. Until this food becomes readily available, Black women will continue to be at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to high blood and cholesterol levels and obesity.