IMPACT
Dietary "Deserts" Disparities: Lexington and the Nation
Location
Room #3 (A147)
Document Type
Presentation
Type
Information Motivating Public Activism (IMPACT)
UN Sustainable Development Goal
UNSDG #10: Reduced Inequalities
Start Date
26-4-2023 10:10 AM
End Date
26-4-2023 10:25 AM
Abstract
Our SLX project is about analyzing malnutrition in areas with limited food access, or “food deserts,” which is a prevalent issue in society, particularly in underrepresented communities. Food deserts refer to areas with restricted access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food, often due to a lack of grocery stores or healthy food options in the area. This lack of access to a balanced diet can contribute to the malnutrition epidemic. This deficit in accessibility can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, stunted growth, obesity, and various life-threatening and chronic disorders. Food deserts and the malnutrition epidemic are major public health issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, highlighting the need for more equitable access to healthy food options. Closer to home, the students of IMSA have limited choices for accessible nutrition, primarily provided by IMSA’s food service company, Lexington Independents. We aim to research the average IMSA student’s daily diet in the context of food deserts for individuals with dietary restrictions. In doing so, we hope to give students a more comprehensive view of Lexington’s offerings and the benefits and consequences of using Lexington as a food service provider, drawing parallels to national crises.
Dietary "Deserts" Disparities: Lexington and the Nation
Room #3 (A147)
Our SLX project is about analyzing malnutrition in areas with limited food access, or “food deserts,” which is a prevalent issue in society, particularly in underrepresented communities. Food deserts refer to areas with restricted access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food, often due to a lack of grocery stores or healthy food options in the area. This lack of access to a balanced diet can contribute to the malnutrition epidemic. This deficit in accessibility can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, stunted growth, obesity, and various life-threatening and chronic disorders. Food deserts and the malnutrition epidemic are major public health issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, highlighting the need for more equitable access to healthy food options. Closer to home, the students of IMSA have limited choices for accessible nutrition, primarily provided by IMSA’s food service company, Lexington Independents. We aim to research the average IMSA student’s daily diet in the context of food deserts for individuals with dietary restrictions. In doing so, we hope to give students a more comprehensive view of Lexington’s offerings and the benefits and consequences of using Lexington as a food service provider, drawing parallels to national crises.