Part 1: Activity Notes
The following is the activity notes regarding the type of food environment within a 5 mile radius of where I live, which has been categorized.
Food Provider Type in Zip Code 07097
1 Mile Radius
Total Number - 3
Target
Sahadi’s
Key Food Supermarket
2-5 Mile Radius
Farmer’s Markets
Total Number - 1
Down to Earth Park Slope Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Total Number - 2
CTown Supermarkets
Target
Liquor / Convenience Store
Total Number – 3
Bedford Wines and Spirits
New Atlantic Liquors
Raj American Liquor Store
Fast Food Chain
Total Number – 4
My House Burgers & Shakes
McDonald's
Fulton Hot Dog King
Taco Bell
Sit-Down Restaurants
Total Number – 3
French Louie
Yemen Café
Lillo Cucina Italiana
Part 2: Essay
Based on the data that I was able to gather with regard to my immediate environment, I would say that I live within a food swamp. A food swamp is described as an environment within which there is a significant lack or absence of affordable fresh/healthy food, but abundance of unhealthy food options. As you can see from the activity notes, my food environment only has a single farmers market but contains approximately 4 fast food joints. That means that a majority of the people living within my food environment find it much more convenient to eat from the fast food joints while ignoring the need for healthy eating. The main consequence that this is having on my food environment is that it is serving as a key contributor to the issue of obesity, especially among younger children. Living within a food swamp creates a situation where access to quality foods is somewhat limited as a result of the high number of unhealthy food options; thus, contributing to a high possibility of obesity.
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My findings support the ideas presented in the course materials reflecting on the fact that one’s food environment tends to have a serious implication on whether one consumes healthy or unhealthy foods. From my understanding, I took note of the fact that a majority of the people in my food environment, although understand the negative health implications associated with fast foods, consume a significant amount of fast foods. That can be attributed to the fact that these people are exposed to a food environment that allows them to enjoy unhealthy foods as the preferred option over healthy foods. The course materials build on the understanding that one’s food environment determines what one consumes, which is aspect that can be supported based on the data gathered.
Personally, I consume fast foods at least twice every week regardless of the fact that I understand the health implications. I must say that this is driven by the fact that access to such foods is much easier when compared to healthy foods, which I would need to find at the farmers market or at the convenience store, both of which are limited in my food environment. The limitation, in terms of access to such stores and markets, may serve as a key factor that pushes people towards engaging in unhealthy eating habits. The ultimate result is that a majority of the people find themselves dealing with obesity as one of the chronic issues affecting a significant number of the people living within my food environment.
