Bodega Down Bronx

It is no secret that food accessibility in urban areas is a nightmare for urban planners, city officials, and public health professionals. This problem is not as critical for smaller/less-dense urban areas because of the prevalence of cars and the hearty supply of suburban shopping centers within driving distance. However, larger urban areas (or smaller urban areas trying to encourage revitalization or gentrification) are now confronted with health-conscious, environmentally-concerned residents who want access to healthy food. More important are the thousands of low-income residents without cars who are deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables because of their foodscape.

Even though this subject has been heavily researched, I am surprised that little efforts have been made to change the way food distribution and food accessibility are monitored. The Center for Urban Pedagogy has made a great video that sheds light on some of the social, economic, and consumer forces that combine to create the foodscape of South Bronx. This half-hour video is a must see for anyone interested in learning about the factors involved in deciding what food is distributed in urban areas.

Sorry, I was unable to embed the video, but you can watch Bodega Down Bronx here.