Countering ‘Food Deserts’
In collaboration with Felix Bridgeman, BA Statistics, and Sarah Katz, BA Urban Studies
Difference and the City with James Moore
Fall 2024
This research project critiques the conventional narrative of food deserts by researching and narrating a counter-story highlighting the complexities of food accessibility in urban environments. Focusing on a block in Fair Haven, we examine two mini-markets that serve Black and Latino communities, as vital components of the local food landscape, countering the effects of food apartheid.
Through community engagement, we reveal how these markets operate as cultural infrastructure, fostering community ties and providing access to culturally relevant foods. We emphasize the critical role of community trust, through reliable crediting and support from dedicated shop owners. By prioritizing local voices, we aim to advocate for a deeper understanding of food accessibility that values local networks and the essential role of smaller markets in creating equitable foodscapes.