Skip to content

Category: Socioeconomics

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

The Scarcity Trap: What Types of Foods Might Be Found in a Food Desert?

4 min read
According to the USDA, millions of Americans live in areas considered food deserts, where access to affordable, healthy food is extremely limited. In these communities, the types of foods that might be found in a food desert often consist of highly processed, packaged goods and fast-food options rather than fresh, whole foods.

How Does Social Class Affect Nutrition? A Comprehensive Look

5 min read
According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition, with the vast majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This stark statistic is just one indicator of how social class affects nutrition, showcasing profound inequalities in dietary health worldwide.

What is the term for not having enough food?

5 min read
According to the World Health Organization, billions of people worldwide experienced food insecurity in 2023. The precise term for not having enough food varies, addressing different dimensions such as inconsistent access, biological consequences, and the resulting physical sensation.

Understanding the Diseases Caused by Food Poverty

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 600 million people globally fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die each year. This statistic underscores a dire public health crisis, as food poverty significantly increases vulnerability to these and many other diseases.

Food Insecurity: What is a Common Cause of Undernutrition in America?

5 min read
In 2023, approximately one in seven households in America, or 13.5%, experienced food insecurity, a primary driver of undernutrition. This critical issue goes beyond simply not having enough food; it encompasses a lack of consistent access to an affordable and nutritious diet, which has far-reaching health and social consequences across the country.

What Explains Gender Differences in Food Insecurity?

3 min read
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global gender gap in food insecurity widened significantly between 2019 and 2021, with women more likely than men to face moderate or severe food insecurity. This persistent disparity is a complex issue, rooted in systemic inequalities that influence who produces, accesses, and consumes food within households and communities worldwide. Understanding the multi-faceted reasons behind this gendered vulnerability is crucial for developing effective, targeted interventions that can create lasting change.

What are the main causes of food deserts?

5 min read
According to the USDA, millions of Americans live in food deserts, areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food options. But what are the main causes of food deserts that lead to this pervasive issue? The problem is a complex web of interconnected factors, including economic disinvestment, systemic racism, and infrastructural failures.

The Bidirectional Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Housing Instability

4 min read
According to a 2020 study, families experiencing food insecurity were 62% more likely to face housing instability later, highlighting the significant and cyclical nature of the bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and housing instability. This dynamic shows how challenges in one area directly impact and worsen the other, trapping individuals and families in a difficult cycle.