Household Food Insecurity in an Urban Food Desert: A Descriptive Analysis of an African American Community

This study examined food insecurity in a predominately African American urban food desert via a mail survey designed to identify and describe the conditions, characteristics, and perceptions of residents in this food environment. The results support past research by showing that food insecurity occurs on a regular basis within many of the households but especially among lower income households, those on food-assistance programs, and those without access to a motor vehicle. The study also sheds light on the many barriers that perpetuate food insecurity and the challenges faced by Blacks and other minorities living in urban food-insecure environments.