The Controversy: Is Detroit a food desert? How does Paris compare?
Food Desert defined: While many definitions of the term exist, the definition we will be using is as follows - "Food deserts are defined as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food." This definition is stated in our Debunk Article.
Thesis: Detroit, Michigan is a food desert due to its lack of transportation options, low market density, and economic inaccessibility, when compared to Paris, France, it is clear these factors have contributed to Detroit's food health.
Relevance: This topic is relevant because the United States is commonly known for their increasing obesity rates and unhealthy eating habits, whereas France is praised for their number one health care systems and overall healthier population. A recent study stated that four of the ten leading causes of death in the United States are due to chronic diseases that are dietary related, which are strongly related to the availability of healthy foods.
Overview: On our study abroad to Europe, we studied the various factors that can make a city a food desert. We spent four weeks collecting data by exploring Paris firsthand. We were able to analyze the variety of foods it offers, and compared its food culture to that of Detroit, Michigan. Before the trip, we spent time at the Whole Foods and Eastern Market in Detroit to interview the locals and experience first hand how people of Detroit access their food. Over the course of our program, we set out to study the availability of healthy foods in Paris, as well as the Parisian attitudes towards food and diet. We then have worked to combine data from both cities to analyze and compare food access in the two cities.
Food Desert defined: While many definitions of the term exist, the definition we will be using is as follows - "Food deserts are defined as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food." This definition is stated in our Debunk Article.
Thesis: Detroit, Michigan is a food desert due to its lack of transportation options, low market density, and economic inaccessibility, when compared to Paris, France, it is clear these factors have contributed to Detroit's food health.
Relevance: This topic is relevant because the United States is commonly known for their increasing obesity rates and unhealthy eating habits, whereas France is praised for their number one health care systems and overall healthier population. A recent study stated that four of the ten leading causes of death in the United States are due to chronic diseases that are dietary related, which are strongly related to the availability of healthy foods.
Overview: On our study abroad to Europe, we studied the various factors that can make a city a food desert. We spent four weeks collecting data by exploring Paris firsthand. We were able to analyze the variety of foods it offers, and compared its food culture to that of Detroit, Michigan. Before the trip, we spent time at the Whole Foods and Eastern Market in Detroit to interview the locals and experience first hand how people of Detroit access their food. Over the course of our program, we set out to study the availability of healthy foods in Paris, as well as the Parisian attitudes towards food and diet. We then have worked to combine data from both cities to analyze and compare food access in the two cities.