Economically, geographically and socially disadvantaged communities

This chapter explores how access to food is influenced by social stratification and isolation, and the underlying societal reasons for the differences in the opportunity to consume nutritious food that is experienced by various population groups. It discusses approaches, both individual and community-based, to improving food access for socially disadvantaged groups, and examines broader approaches to community and national food equity and security. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role that physical access to food has in determining food security and the nutritional status of residents of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. US studies have also found dose-response relationships between local physical access to food and diet and health outcomes. For community food insecurity, a multi-pronged approach is necessary, based on intersectoral partnerships within the community and embedded in local government policies. Public health nutrition for economically, geographically and socially disadvantaged communities is increasingly important.