Food insecurity is influenced by what is available, affordable and accessible, according to Department of Geography & Planning professor and vice-dean, academic operations Michael Widener. He spoke to CBC Radio: Here and Now on Dec. 5 about his research on the conditions that affect a person’s access to food, as part of CBC Toronto’s Make the Season Kind live broadcast fundraiser.
When considering which areas of the GTA have strong food environments versus weak ones, Widener says it’s about more than just location — grocery prices, time constraints and transportation infrastructure can all be barriers.
“For example, while there are many grocery stores and transit routes in downtown Toronto, a single parent working two jobs may not have the income or the time to buy and prepare a healthy meal for their family,” he says.
“City planners need to make sure that that nutritious option is the default option.”