Gluten Free Food Deserts: Determining Their Existence and Expanse Written By: Jenna Reda Supervised By: Dr. Zilkia Janer Hofstra Department of Global Studies and Geography
Measuring Gluten Free Food Deserts The map to the left displays the gluten free food deserts in the Pennsylvania counties of Mercer and Crawford. On the map, the blue polygon outlines the border of the two counties. Then, the black rectangles represent stores that sell gluten free food in rural areas, and the red rectangles represent stores that sell gluten free food in urban areas. The buffers surrounding the marked stores encompass the areas in which people have access to gluten free food. Generally, any areas outside of the buffers are gluten free food deserts.
Who Eats Gluten Free? Two main medical conditions require a gluten free diet: Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Combined, they affect 1-2% of the United States Population. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barely, and the gluten intolerant have to elimate these grains from their diet. As such, they rely on fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats as well as the gluten free versions of packaged foods in order to sustain themselves.
What is a Gluten Free Food Desert? A gluten free food desert is an area in which residents have little, to no access to gluten free foods. Urban areas are considered gluten free food deserts if they are more than 1/2 a mile away from a grocery store that sells gluten free food. For a rural area, this distance is 10 miles.
Fast Facts on The Availability of Gluten Free Food in Mercer County, PA - 5 out of 16 towns contain a grocery store that sells gluten free food - 13 out of 41 grocery stores sell gluten free food - 2 out of 7 food pantries offer gluten free food - 4 out of 9 bakeries sell gluten free baked goods
Fast Facts on The Availability of Gluten Free Food in Crawford County, PA - 4 out of 22 towns contain a grocery store that sells gluten free food - 10 out of 35 grocery stores sell gluten free food - 0 out of 7 food pantries offer gluten free food - 7 out of 14 bakeries osell gluten free baked goods
Restaurant Findings - 11 of the 26 restaurants in 2 cities located in gluten free food deserts serve gluten free food - 8 of the 25 restaurants in 4 rural towns not located in gluten free food deserts serve gluten free food
Why This is a Social Justice Issue The existence of gluten free food deserts and the lack of availability of gluten free foods at food pantries, restaurants, and bakeries is a social justice issue. Adequate access to sufficient food is a basic human right, no matter a person’s dietary requirements.