Policy Recommendations to Address Disproportionate Health Outcomes Caused by Healthy Food Access in Relation to Housing Districts Segregated by Class and Race
Quarcoo, Roselyn
Citations
Abstract
Negative health outcomes among low-income racial and ethnic minorities are related to geographic location, socioeconomic status (SES), and a lack of resources. Areas mostly composed of racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by a lack of food access in surrounding areas. Districts that house low-income populations are commonly surrounded by convenient and snack stores, which facilitates access to unhealthy food, and subsequently to the prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the significance of this relationship is essential for efforts in prevention, as well as the alleviation of health disparities. The report displays the relevant resources and data involved in creating prevention programs and detail several policy interventions that employ evidence-based methods for improving the health outcomes of low-income and/or racial and ethnic minorities living in food deserts.
