Examining Disparities in Food Access and Enhancing Food Security of Underserved Populations in Michigan

Abstract

Michigan is a state in which food insecurity and lack of access to healthy foods are major concerns, therefore it is important to research and provide case studies for what has become a global and national problem. In recent years, there has been a rise in food insecurity in the United States, with millions of households nationwide experiencing food insecurity. Our research is aimed at understanding the disparities in food security and access to healthy foods in the state of Michigan. The overarching goal of our project is to identify barriers for accessing healthy local foods and promote strategies for enhancing the food security of underserved populations in the state. In order to accomplish this, we employed quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to look at food access in Michigan. Using procedural survey research and case study methodologies we examined a variety of organizations and stakeholders involved in the food system in Michigan. Our separate research focuses included: school meals, farmers’ markets managers, small scale farms, farmers, and urban farms and community gardens.