The readings this week address food justice and the role that planning has within it. The readings consider the availability of food, addressing both distance to it and if it food secure, and the breakdown of where one might find a food desert or general inequality within the food community. The notion of socioeconomic inequality within the food system is constantly referenced and provides a basis for the breakdown of food inequality as a whole. This isn't to say that there have not been actions to combat these inequalities. The readings mention how in food desert areas where healthy options aren't always available, that convenience stores may respond by stocking ethnic foods that reflect the racial buildup of the neighborhood or try and provide for specific community demands. Measures such as direct farm to community transactions of food have also been considered.
Reflecting on this, it reminds me of how many of the Publix supermarkets down in Fort Lauderdale have gotten a complete overhaul in an attempt to modernize and spruce up the buildings. These changes certainly seemed to take place more frequently in affluent areas where there seems to be more money within the community, however in poorer areas these supermarkets still feature the outdated and crumbling buildings from the 90's and before. While some of these low income areas still have general access to a supermarket within a reasonable distance from their home, it goes to show you that areas with more money tend to receive preferential treatment even if other areas require it more so.
The readings this week requires one to consider their own personal relationship to the food system and how they might work to better it as a whole to benefit those who have a limited voice in the matter. Be it through education or the creation of organizations and groups to combat these problems, the food system should be equal for everyone and hopefully steps like these may help to make a difference.
It is a shameful truth that most often, more affluent communities receive preferential treatment. Hopefully, as the next generation of planners, we can work to narrow the gap between food access in wealthy communities and low income communities. Often times the appearance alludes to a bigger problem. In other words, the stores that are not getting the face lifts may not be getting the same quality of food as the prettier stores. This also may not be true, but I feel that if the stores are unwilling to look more appealing, they may generally be unwilling to put money into the store as a whole. Just my thought though.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, higher income communities do receive better grocery stores with updated facilities and higher quality of food. Being from South Miami, I have also observed the distinction between grocery stores within different communities. For example, in a higher income neighborhood such as Coral Gables, they have an upscale Publix including a GreenWise section that offers organic products and produce. Whereas, the Publix located in West Perrine I believe doesn’t even offer organic apples in its fresh produce section. These examples show that grocery stores such as Publix, market their stores based on the socioeconomic status of the communities.
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