This document discusses food insecurity in urban communities. It defines food insecurity as limited access to nutritious food according to the USDA. Certain groups experience higher rates of food insecurity, including African American households at 24.6%, Hispanics at 32.3%, and those with low economic stability. Food deserts, or areas without nearby grocery stores, exist in urban areas and contribute to the problem. Possible solutions discussed include adding more grocery stores in food deserts, partnering with existing stores, implementing mobile markets, and educational initiatives to promote healthy eating.

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Food Insecurities in Urban
Communities
By: Paulnisha Granger
Raynard Ware
Sandra Okoro

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Select a Significant Challenge Individuals
Living in Urban Communities Encounter in
Obtaining Optimal Healthcare.
QUESTION

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Introduction
Food Insecurity has been defined by the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as
“limited and/or uncertain availability of
nutritionally adequate and safe food.”

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National Demographics
(14.5%)

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Local Demographics

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Factors that Cause Food Insecurities
Food
Insecurity/
Health
Disparities
Location
Race
Economic
Stability
Gender

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What is a Health Disparity?
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• A health disparity is a preventable difference in the
burden of a health outcome based upon
characteristics of a specific group.

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Race and Food Insecurities
African American Households
24.6%
Caucasian households
11.2%
Nationally
14.5%
Hispanics
32.3%

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Food Deserts in Kansas City
 Pink color represents Desert areas

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Economic Status and Food
Insecurities

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How Would We Address the
Challenge?

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POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS…

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 More grocery stores in “desert areas”.
 Partnering with grocery stores.

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 More Mobile Markets

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• Fundraising
• Initiatives to teach about healthy food choices
• Hospital Follow ups

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QUESTIONS?