Food Deserts in Canadian Cities: A Comparison using the Socio-ecological Model

Food is a universal necessity that transcends cultural, social, and geographic boundaries. It serves as a source of connection, a medium for celebration, and a lifeline in times of need. Despite its profound significance, many communities, whether located in bustling urban centers or remote rural areas, grapple with a widespread problem: limited access to affordable and nutritious food. These areas, often termed "food deserts," are troubled by elevated levels of food insecurity. These challenges are not inherent but rather appear due to a complex interplay of socio-ecological factors.

We will study the dynamics of food deserts in two prominent Canadian cities: Calgary, Alberta, and Montreal, Quebec. Our analysis revolves around the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), which enables us to understand the extent of food deserts in these urban environments.

A 2021 report from the University of Toronto, titled "Household Food Insecurity in Canada," reveals striking disparities between the provinces of Alberta and Quebec. Alberta, considered one of the country's wealthiest regions, faces a 20.3% prevalence of food insecurity, while Quebec reports a remarkably lower rate of 13.1% (Tarasuk, V., et al., 2022). This contrast in food insecurity levels is confirmed in the major cities of these provinces, Calgary, and Montreal. Montreal stands out, with no defined areas classified as a food desert (Apparicio, P., et al., 2007). In contrast, Calgary uncovers a less favorable scenario, with eight communities lacking adequate food support, while two meet the criteria for designation as food deserts (Lu, W., & Qiu, F. 2015).

To better understand the dynamics of food deserts in these cities, we examine three level of the SEM: organizational, community, and public policy.

Organizational Level: The geographical layout of each city influences the food desert development. In densely populated Montreal, the concentration of residents results in a greater number of grocery stores and markets, fostering competition and affecting pricing and variety. In contrast, Calgary's extensive urban sprawl reduces this competition and amplifies challenges related to transportation and access.

Community Level: Montreal thrives on a robust food scene, driven by farmers' markets, local produce, and a vibrant food culture. This vibrancy shaped by municipal policies that champion such initiatives, particularly in urban areas (Montreal, n.d.). In contrast, Calgary faces constraints, with only five farmers' markets within city limits as of 2015 (Lu, W., & Qiu, F. 2015).

Public Policy Level: The influence of municipal policies, particularly zoning regulations, plays a pivotal role in deciding the location and distribution of food retailers. Montreal's urban landscape features a clustering of low-income residents in the city center, while middle to high-income individuals gravitate toward peripheral areas. This distribution preserves reasonable competition and pricing in low-income neighborhoods and the increased resources among residents prevent the emergence of food deserts (Apparicio, P., et al., 2007). On the other hand, many of Calgary’s low-income neighbourhoods living next to or near affluent neighbourhoods resulting in contrasting levels of access to fresh and healthy food, resulting in higher instances of food deserts for those low-income neighborhoods. In response to this challenge, the City of Calgary established “CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan” as a collaborative initiative between the City of Calgary and the community. There has been progress since 2017, marked by the growth of food assets like community gardens, farmers' markets, and food stands. The initiative also includes provisions for addressing food security during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines future priorities, such as enhancing diversity and inclusion in food assets, strengthening food system resilience, and supporting the local food economy (Peters, K. 2022).

In conclusion, food deserts are a multifaceted issue profoundly shaped by socio-ecological factors in urban centers like Calgary and Montreal. These factors encompass organizational dynamics, community initiatives, and public policies that together determine the accessibility and affordability of healthy food options.

In Montreal, the city's dense population and practical promotion of local food culture and farmers' markets create a favorable food environment, resulting in a lack of clearly defined food deserts. In contrast, Calgary contends with the challenges of urban sprawl, income disparities, and limited access to fresh and healthy food, leading to the emergence of food deserts in lower-income neighborhoods.

This analysis underscores the crucial role of the socio-ecological model in understanding food desert prevalence in different cities. It emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts, community engagement, and public policies in addressing food deserts and promoting food security. Initiatives like the CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan exemplify the potential for positive change, even in areas facing significant food insecurity challenges.

The issue of food deserts is complex, but through a comprehensive understanding of the socio-ecological model, cities can, and are, developing strategies to mitigate the problem and work towards all communities having access to affordable and healthy food options.

References:

Apparicio, P., Cloutier, M., & Shearmur, R. (2007). The case of Montréal's missing food deserts: Evaluation of accessibility to food supermarkets. International Journal of Heath Geographies, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-072X-6-4

Lu, W., & Qiu, F. (2015). Do food deserts exist in Calgary, Canada? The Canadian Geographer, 59(3), 267.

Montreal. (n.d.). Prevention and Social Action. https://montreal.ca/en/prevention-and-social-action

Peters, K. (2022, April 27). CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan 2022 Progress Update (Report No. CD2022-0460). City of Calgary. Retrieved 29 October 2023 from CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan 2022 Progress Update (escribemeetings.com)

Tarasuk V, Li T, Fafard St-Germain AA. (2022) Household food insecurity in Canada, 2021. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF). Retrieved 29 October 2023 from https://proof.utoronto.ca/