OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate disparities in access to healthy food in Montreal, focusing on the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables (F/V) as an indicator. METHOD: F/V selling area was measured in all food retail stores and public markets offering more than 75 square feet of fresh fruits and vegetables. An accessibility index was elaborated, taking into account motorization rates and the total surface of these fresh foods for sale within an easily accessible zone. The extent of that zone was determined differently for motorized (3 km) and non-motorized (500 m) consumers. Measures were calculated and georeferenced at the level of "Dissemination Areas" according to the 2001 Census. RESULTS: In general, access to healthy foods is quite good for consumers who shop by car. But 40% of the population have poor access to fruits and vegetables within a walkable distance from home. No relationship is observed between median income in dissemination areas and food supply. CONCLUSION: Improved access to healthy food by non-motorized consumers is needed in many areas of Montreal. Implications of differential access to fresh fruits and vegetables for health and environmental sustainability are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate disparities in access to healthy food in Montreal, focusing on the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables (F/V) as an indicator. METHOD: F/V selling area was measured in all food retail stores and public markets offering more than 75 square feet of fresh fruits and vegetables. An accessibility index was elaborated, taking into account motorization rates and the total surface of these fresh foods for sale within an easily accessible zone. The extent of that zone was determined differently for motorized (3 km) and non-motorized (500 m) consumers. Measures were calculated and georeferenced at the level of "Dissemination Areas" according to the 2001 Census. RESULTS: In general, access to healthy foods is quite good for consumers who shop by car. But 40% of the population have poor access to fruits and vegetables within a walkable distance from home. No relationship is observed between median income in dissemination areas and food supply. CONCLUSION: Improved access to healthy food by non-motorized consumers is needed in many areas of Montreal. Implications of differential access to fresh fruits and vegetables for health and environmental sustainability are discussed.
Authors: Geneviève Mercille; Lucie Richard; Lise Gauvin; Yan Kestens; Hélène Payette; Mark Daniel Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2013-04 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: Yan Kestens; Alexandre Lebel; Basile Chaix; Christelle Clary; Mark Daniel; Robert Pampalon; Marius Theriault; S V P Subramanian Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-08-22 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Pauline Rebouillat; Sarah Bonin; Yan Kestens; Sarah Chaput; Louis Drouin; Geneviève Mercille Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-12-21 Impact factor: 3.390