What is Food Inequity?

Who is Affected?

Marginalized communities, including people of color, LGTBQ individuals, and those with disabilities, are at higher risk of food insecurity due to systemic discrimination and poverty

What Is The Cause?

Food deserts are one of the leading causs for food inequity. Food deserts are areas where people have limited access to healthful and nourishing foods. Poverty and other socioeconomic factors can cause food deserts. People who live in rural areas have stores that have more expensive fresh fruits and vegetables because of the price of transporataion. These low-income families can't afford the healthier option. Without access to healthful foods, people living in food deserts may be at higher risk of diet-related conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and micro-nutrient deficiencies.

Roots Of Food Inequity In The United States

The Food Justice Movement began in 1962 during the Greenwood Food Blockade and it took place in the Mississippi Delta. This movement was formed in order to help feed farmers and sharecroppers after a new law lowered the government's funding for them. This law widely affected African-Americans as 20,000 sharecroppers lost their food source due to the blockade. Nevertheless, the Food Justice Movement was able to gain popularity as the Black Panther Party assisted them and inspired legislature to instate the National School Lunch program and bring breakfast and lunch to all schools in the U.S.

Conclusion

Food Inequity is a major problem in the United States that leaves many people starving and malnourished which can lead to a multitude of diseases such as anorexia or body dysmorphia.