Access in the Food Environment: A Health Equity Approach Reveals Unequal Opportunity. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diehl, Jessica A.; Heard, Debbie; Lockhart, Steven; Main, Deborah S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of planning education and research. Volume 40:Number 1(2020:Spring)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Denver -- Colorado -- dietary behavior -- food access -- health equity -- public health -- spatial analysis; Regional planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; City planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1177/0739456X17745358
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-456X

Abstract

Evidence shows that not all places offer people equal access to affordable, healthy food; unequal access is a potential explanation for disparities in health. This study applied the theoretically grounded social science concept of health equity to shift the focus from equal (same for all) to equitable (needs-based) access. Using data from Taking Neighborhood Health to Heart (TNH2H), a large community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiative in Denver, Colorado, this article examines how food access can vary based on social advantage and disadvantage ( n = 926). Findings uncovered important inequities and demonstrated a new and promising approach to understanding the food environment–health relationship.