Limited Access to Healthy Foods: How Zoning Helps to Close the Gap

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  • February 27, 2019
Creator
  • Hubbard, Tara
    • Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition
Abstract
  • Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many other chronic disease rates are rising to alarming levels in the United States. The public health sector is devoting various efforts to stop this trend and improve the health of communities all across the country. Each city has the power to set goals, make decisions, and create change that can fashion a healthier community. More specifically, city planners have the power to generate new zoning ordinances or to amend old ones to develop healthier environments. Zoning ordinances determine what a city's environment can look like and how it should function. The built food environment is of particular concern when considering the high rates of obesity and chronic disease. Spokane, Washington, a city located on the eastern edge of Washington State, is home to about 209,000 people making it the second largest city in the state. Spokane is a unique city situated around the Spokane River and is divided into several neighborhoods, which have varying food environments. Some neighborhoods have ample access to healthy foods being in close proximity to supermarkets or large grocery stores, farmers' markets, and even community gardens. Other neighborhoods, typically low or mixed-income, have limited access to healthy foods. Overall, Spokane's population is 84 percent non-Hispanic white. Among those 25 years and older, 90 percent are high school graduates while only 27 percent have earned a Bachelor's degree or higher.23 The 2010 U.S. Census revealed that 18.6 percent of Spokane's residents were living below the poverty line, placing them at greater risk for living in areas with limited access to foods that are necessary for a nutritious diet. The Spokane Regional Health District's Health Promotion Division requested guidance on how to utilize zoning laws to increase access to healthy foods throughout the city. The intention of this brief is to explain the importance of a healthy food environment, describe the zoning options available to cities and, provide Spokane with specific guidance for the next steps to greater access to healthy foods and an overall healthier food environment. Zoning options will focus on increasing farmers' markets, urban agriculture, and healthy food retail as well as options for limiting fast foods.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Sommers, Janice
Degree
  • Master of Public Health
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation year
  • 2011
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  • ec6acc1f-dd30-446a-a923-ede8671f2c72

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