Food Environments Influence on Food Choices Among Different Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract

There has been a shifting focus in research within food security studies to food environments as they are proving to be one of the most influential factors in individuals' food and dietary choices. Situated within the second United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, this thesis examines the physical and social food environments of communities in Hamilton, Ontario to determine the influences these environments have on food and dietary choices. Hamilton was chosen due to its unique food landscape; where some communities could be considered living in a food swamp, with little access to healthy food amidst an abundance of convenience stores and fast food. In contrast, other communities within the city are considered a food oasis, with a wide range of high-quality foods readily available. This study employed a survey as its primary research instrument with 204 surveys completed. In addition, follow-up interviews with 20 participants were conducted to provide in-depth context for the survey results. Participants in this study were drawn from areas based on either postal code or income. The study’s findings revealed several similarities irrespective of the postal code or income of the household. Notably, the most popular dietary choice was that the participants did not follow any diet, also called the “house diet.” Moreover, in ranking the most important qualities when choosing a grocery store, price, proximity, and quality always ranked the highest among the 13 options. However, when reasoning for rankings were discussed, the higher-income participants expressed maximizing their dollars whereas the lower-income participants preferred stretching their dollars. Moreover, looking at food environments grouped by postal code, 7 out of the 19 participants lived in areas where convenience stores outnumber grocery stores at a ratio of 4:1. In these communities, most participants reported a meat-restricted diet and also ranked accessibility to healthy foods the lowest. Additionally, participants living in areas described as food swamps (high prevalence of low-quality convenience foods), also reported lower than average income compared to participants living in areas with better access to higher-quality food retailers. These finding demonstrate that income plays a consequential role in observed dietary patterns, with 7% of the higher income earners reporting a plant-based diet, compared to 20% of the lower income bracket. In the lower income bracket, 42% reported using alternate modes of transportation to private vehicles, compared to only 8% in the higher income bracket. The findings suggest a chain reaction, where the lower-income earners are more likely to be living in a food environment with low access to healthy foods, and high access to convenience stores. Furthermore, they are less likely to have access to a vehicle, which overall limits their accessibility to healthy, fresh, and sustainable food choices that may be some distance from where they live. These are areas where policies, initiatives, and programs that will promote better accessibility to healthy foods will be the most beneficial, in terms of creating healthy eating patterns that will help achieve Sustainable Development Goal Two.