Date of Award

Winter 5-7-2012

Thesis Access

Open Access Honors Thesis

Thesis Location

Honors College Thesis

Degree Name

B.A.

Department

Anthropology

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Monica White

Abstract

Access to healthy, nutritious food is one of the most basic human needs. Unfortunately, a large portion of the global population, including that of the United States, has limited access to such food, hence putting families in a state of food insecurity. Food insecurity occurs when households are unable to (or struggle to) provide adequate food to all household members due to lack of funds or food resources. This phenomenon is considered to be a major concern in many urban settings such as Detroit, as it is a characteristic of societal distress. Interestingly, research has shown that while food insecurity is widespread, it has greater prevalence amongst minority groups who report higher rates of food insecurity when compared to their white suburban counterparts (“Food security in the United States”, 2011).This leads one to ask, what is the connection between food security and race? Analyzing this issue reveals a structural conflict within society which works to the advantage of some racial groups at the expense of others. While urban minorities experience food insecurity, a shift towards urban agriculture is underway that aims to ameliorate structural inequality in the food system. This study investigates the links between race and food security as well as the urban agricultural movement as a response to an inadequate food system, especially that which exists in Detroit.

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