food-access
Food access refers to the availability, affordability, and equitable distribution of nutritious food within communities, often shaped by agricultural productivity and supply chains. In plant science, research on food access focuses on developing resilient, high-yield, and nutrient-rich crop varieties that can thrive in diverse environmental conditions, helping to address food insecurity and dietary gaps. This work also examines how plant breeding, sustainable farming practices, and crop diversification can improve the reliability and reach of food systems, particularly in underserved or resource-limited regions.
open_in_new WikipediaOpenAlex · 2026-07-01
A 20-year study tracked how the mix of food retailers in U.S. neighborhoods shifted between 2003 and 2023, finding that changes in food access differed significantly depending on whether an area was urban, suburban, or rural.
Food retail landscapes shifted measurably across U.S. neighborhoods over the 20-year span from 2003 to 2023
Changes in neighborhood foodscapes varied significantly by area rurality, meaning urban, suburban, and rural areas did not follow the same trajectory
The study covers a nationally representative period encompassing major economic events (2008 recession, COVID-19), suggesting structural rather than temporary shifts in food access patterns