Understanding Food Swamps: How Your Environment Shapes Health and Access to Nutrition
In this eye-opening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis explores the concept of food swamps—urban environments where unhealthy food options far outweigh nutritious ones. While much attention has been given to food deserts, food swamps reveal a deeper layer of the public health crisis tied to systemic racism, zoning laws, and chronic disease disparities. From obesity and diabetes to nutrition literacy and community health, Corey breaks down the critical role of the built environment in shaping our health outcomes.
Whether you're a public health professional, community advocate, or just passionate about food justice and health equity, this episode offers a powerful and personal perspective on turning food swamps into food sanctuaries.
Show Notes:
- What is a food swamp and how does it differ from a food desert?
- Real-life stories from Corey’s work as a safety net health coach
- How systemic barriers and zoning laws impact food access
- The link between food environments and chronic disease
- Exploring the intersection of food insecurity, fast food, and public health
- Solutions: from urban farming and farmers markets to nutrition education and local policy reform
- Why tackling food apartheid is about more than food—it's about justice and equity
- Actionable steps to support low-income communities in accessing healthier food options
- The role of Social Determinants of Health in shaping Long-term wellbeing
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