Understanding Barriers and Strategies to Accessing Healthy Food in Urban Agriculture for Community Residents in Predominantly Black Communities.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Some residents in predominantly Black communities face significant challenges in accessing healthy food. However, urban agriculture is a growing sector that aims to increase overall food production, access to affordable and nutritious produce, and potentially improve community food security. PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide insight into barriers and strategies that urban agriculture growers and advocates identified for accessing urban agriculture markets in their communities. RESEARCH DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE We interviewed and conducted focus groups with 17 urban growers and local food advocates that work in predominantly Black communities in Chicago. DATA COLLECTION AND/OR ANALYSIS: Understanding the complexities of access to healthy food can be challenging; therefore, we used the concept of access - accessibility, availability, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability - to better understand these barriers. RESULTS: Key barriers were the lack of accessibility to traditional food retailers, high availability of processed foods, and cultural acceptability of urban-produced foods. CONCLUSION: Building urban agriculture networks to support growers, connect with consumers, and emphasize political engagement can help to diversify and grow urban agriculture.