%0 Generic
%9 Master's Thesis
%A Ilochi, Paula Ijeoma
%D 2011
%F pittir:6628
%K Food Insecurity; Hope VI; obesity; poverty; School environment
%T Factors that Impact Access to Quality Food in the Inner City
%U http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/6628/
%X Food insecurity is an issue that disproportionately affects inner city communities. While food insecurity focuses more on the individual level, food deserts affect the community on a societal level. Food insecurity is an issue of public health significance because it affects food environments and has negative consequences on those living in food insecure communities. This review discusses factors that impact access to quality food in inner city communities such as lack of grocery stores, school environments and food affordability and how these factors can lead to an inadequate food supply, poor nutrition, obesity and chronic diseases. Food insecurity often results in an increase in food related health risks such as malnutrition, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among other things which can ultimately result in death. Food affordability, knowledge of school environments and supermarket politics regarding negative outcomes of food insecurity are highlighted. Recommendations are provided to address ways that inner city communities can have better access to nutritional food. These recommendations include mobilizing the community via the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) strategic approach, food labeling and diversifying neighborhood income.