A Multidimensional Approach to Understanding Food Deserts in Vulnerable Contexts

This study examined the phenomenon of “food deserts” in Las Palmeras, a vulnerable neighborhood in Córdoba, Spain, a medium-sized city known for its agricultural traditions and Mediterranean diet. Through a mixed-methods approach, including spatial analysis, and quantitative and qualitative assessments, we compared dietary habits and food accessibility in Las Palmeras to other Córdoba neighborhoods. We found that Las Palmeras residents reported significantly lower fruit and vegetable consumption and expressed greater difficulty accessing healthy foods despite having a relatively short commute time to the nearest grocery store. Moreover, people in Las Palmeras reported spending more time preparing meals than people in other parts of the city. In contrast, El Brillante, a high-income neighborhood, reported consistent healthy food consumption, even with longer commutes to supermarkets and less time spent preparing meals. This disparity suggests that economic barriers and education levels play a critical role in food choices, emphasizing that food deserts are multidimensional and encompass more than just geographical accessibility to nutritious food. Utilizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a holistic approach, our study amplifies the discussion of sustainable urban development, examining the complex interplay of geographic proximity, socio-economic status, educational levels, generational changes, and the variety of food options in determining access to healthy food. This research offers valuable insights into food accessibility in Spain and contributes to the European dialogue on food deserts and food security, informing strategies for enhancing urban food security, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods.