Detroit food deserts
Nearly 30% of Detroit residents lacked easy access to grocery stores as of 2017, a situation contributing to significant health and economic challenges within the city[1]. The term “food desert” has been frequently applied to Detroit, though some researchers argue that a more nuanced understanding of the city’s food environment is necessary[2]. This article examines the history, complexities, and current state of food access in Detroit, moving beyond simple classifications to explore the systemic factors at play.
History
Detroit’s food system has been shaped by a long history of racial and economic divisions[3]. Historically, grocery and convenience stores in Detroit employed few Black individuals, and these stores often lacked loyalty from the Black community, who felt disconnected from businesses that did not reflect their own demographics. This dynamic contributed to a climate where stores became targets during periods of civil unrest, particularly during the 1967 riots where white-owned stores in predominantly African American neighborhoods were prominently targeted[4]. The closing of schools and neighborhood businesses, including grocery stores, has been directly linked to the city’s population decline[5].
The decline in the number of supermarkets and large grocery stores in many cities, including Detroit, has exacerbated issues of food access[6]. This trend, occurring as cities lost half or more of these essential retail outlets, created conditions conducive to the development of what became known as “food deserts.” However, some research suggests that simply labeling Detroit a “food desert” overlooks the complexities of the city’s food landscape and the importance of understanding community perceptions and choices[7]. A PhD research project out of the University of Michigan School of Public Health focused on African-American perceptions of food choice in Detroit, highlighting the need to consider community perspectives beyond simply mapping store locations.
Geography
The application of the “food desert” term to Detroit has been questioned due to the potential for maps and data to be misleading or outdated[8]. Maps used by outside consulting agencies have sometimes presented a flawed picture of Detroit’s food system, relying on inaccurate or incomplete data. Rob Linn, working with Data Driven Detroit, has created more current maps offering a clearer representation of food store locations within the city[9]. The focus on simply placing food stores on a map can overshadow the importance of understanding the broader food environment and the factors influencing food choices.
A comprehensive study of Detroit’s food environment involved collecting data from sources like ReferenceUSA, Orbis, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture between 2011 and 2013[10]. This research aimed to move beyond the limitations of the “food desert” frame by adopting an environmental justice analysis and systems thinking approach. The goal was to gain a more holistic understanding of food access challenges in Detroit, considering the interplay of various factors beyond just the physical availability of grocery stores.
Economy
The economic landscape of Detroit significantly impacts food access for its residents. The city’s historic racial and economic divisions have created disparities in access to resources, including healthy and affordable food[11]. Currently, there is only one Black-owned grocery store in Detroit, despite the fact that 80% of the city’s population is African American[12]. This lack of Black ownership in the grocery sector reflects broader economic inequalities and historical patterns of discrimination.
The loss of businesses, including grocery stores, has contributed to economic hardship in Detroit neighborhoods[13]. This economic decline has created a cycle of disinvestment, making it difficult for new grocery stores to open and thrive in underserved areas. Addressing food access requires not only increasing the availability of healthy food but also investing in economic development and creating opportunities for local ownership and employment.
Culture
Understanding community perceptions and choices is crucial when addressing food access issues in Detroit[14]. Research suggests that simply increasing the visibility and access to healthy foods is not enough; food education is also essential to promote healthy eating habits. Cultural factors and individual preferences play a significant role in food choices, and interventions must be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the community.
The historical context of racial and economic divisions in Detroit has shaped community perceptions of food and food access[15]. The lack of trust in businesses and institutions, stemming from past experiences of discrimination and disinvestment, can influence how residents perceive and interact with the food system. Building trust and fostering community engagement are essential for creating sustainable solutions to food access challenges.