Vulnerable populations in food deserts: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the realities of food deserts and the vulnerable populations in urban areas in the USA; review underlying causes of these realities; and propose a set of solutions to address challenges facing vulnerable populations living in urban food deserts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study with a focus on a specific vulnerable population living in a food desert in the inner city of Richmond, Virginia.

Findings

While vulnerable populations and food deserts have much in common, in general, they both reflect, for specific groups of people, a failure to achieve or even having a chance to achieve the American dream. In particular, they reflect the economic, social, culture and education disenfranchisement of many citizens in society.

Originality/value

This exploratory paper and case study offers a beginning reference point to both understand and deal with urban food deserts and the vulnerable populations that reside there-in. Food deserts are a serious problem that is historically based and contemporarily reinforced by economic, social and cultural/community realities in society. By first understanding these realities, the paper calls for research and action.

Citation

Wood, V. and Thomas, M. (2017), "Vulnerable populations in food deserts: a case study", International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 211-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPHM-03-2017-0012