Angela Aie | Class of ’16 | May 4, 2015
The food environment of a community is extremely important because it can affect the health and well-being of the population living there. For a class assignment, we had to examine the food environment in the Greater Fifth Ward. Using Google Maps, I focused on the distribution and number of grocery stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, fast-food restaurants, non-fast food restaurants and community gardens. The most prevalent patterns from my analysis relate to the distinction between locally-owned food distributors and chains.
Out of what is present, small grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants are most evenly spread out. In contrast, dollar stores and fast-food restaurants that have a wider, chain-appeal are clustered around the highways that define the boundaries of the Fifth Ward. Related, the majority of the grocery stores are small, locally owned operations. The only chain grocery store I noticed was a Fiesta located on 5800 Lyons Ave. The same is true for convenience-type stores; there is only one noticeable chain, Walgreens. And, as with most other chains, this store is located on the border of the community. The dollar stores and fast-food restaurants are almost by-definition chain stores, so it is not surprising that they were mostly located near the freeway and on the borders of the community. But what is notable is that in the case of these potentially less-healthy food options, this geographic pattern may be a benefit to the average Fifth Ward resident.
Despite some bright spots, the situation of food distribution and access in the Fifth Ward community could be improved. As Kayla Hatchell discussed in a previous blog post, CAN DO Houston has taken steps towards the goal of improving health. I add to this conversation by discussing the potential role of community gardens. Community gardens have a weak presence in the Fifth Ward. On the positive side, there are several potential food gardens in the community: Cane River Gardens has established a location off of Lyons Avenue; the Betsy Ross Elementary School has a garden; and the Last Organic Outpost is in the southern portion of the community. But what is less clear is how well these three locations can offset the scarce food environment associated with the Fifth Ward. Aside from geographical location and related issues of access, we need to consider who is being targeted by these gardens.
I think the use of renovated green spaces from empty lots in the Fifth Ward could not only aesthetically improve the community but also provide an additional food source for residents. But in order to be sustainable, any intervention needs to involve local input and efforts. Otherwise, any additional gardens may become like the Last Organic Outpost that now primarily serves Houstonians outside the Fifth Ward. Community enrichment efforts, such as food gardens, need to harness the potential of Fifth Ward residents so that they can best benefit the community members directly.
