Guiding Questions

When it comes to the matter of food accessibility in California, the central question can be identified as the relationship between neighborhood earnings and food desert areas. The public health issues such as how economic disparities generate the food insecurity crisis, and the question about the broader health of communities are at the focus of this problem. The hypothesis is that lower income communities are more likely to experience food deserts in their neighborhoods. This is developed primarily through the assumption that economic constraints limit the demand and viability of healthy food stores in these areas, leading to a cycle of food insecurity and poor health outcomes. By testing this hypothesis, the study aims to identify systemic economic barriers to food access and suggest some ideas for policymakers who aim to close these gaps.

Another research question that is also important is the investigation of public transportation and vehicle availability on grocery store accessibility. This question centers around whether the presence of public transit and private automobiles plays a notable role in ensuring that people can get the necessary groceries, especially those who live in low-income neighborhoods. The hypothesis is that the residents with low-income status who have no access to reliable transportation are significantly more exposed to the problem of food insecurity, especially considering those without cars or who live in locations without proper public transit options that are far from grocery stores that have healthy options. This will focus on demonstrating the importance of transportation infrastructure to food security problems and on calling on policy interventions for improved transportation services in underserved areas.

Moreover, a third research question focuses on the disparities in food access among various racial and ethnic groups, which looks deeply at the rooted historical factors and the undermined systemic inequalities that cause these differences. The hypothesis is that due to systemic racism and economic inequities, racial and ethnic minorities, especially those who belong to historically marginalized communities, experience greater barriers to accessing healthy food. The purpose of this research question is to explore how the historical development of policy, current urban planning, and societal inequality have established and maintained the food deserts in minority communities. By addressing this hypothesis, we aim to provide insights into the structural changes needed to ensure equitable food access across all racial and ethnic groups.

The fourth research question is central to understanding how food access varies from one age group to another, with older adults and children being the focus. This question delves into the specific challenges that these vulnerable groups face to get access to healthy food. The hypothesis suggests that older adults and children who live in low-income households face a higher level of food insecurity due to their need for others for transportation and financial support. This research aims to identify specific barriers faced by these age groups and come up with solutions to improve their food security by suggesting policies that address the needs of all.