Date of Completion

12-13-2019

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Discipline

Environmental Studies (EVST)

First Advisor

Michele Romolini

Abstract

Anguelovski defines food privilege as “the exclusive access to desirable ‘natural’ and fresh food thanks to one’s economic, cultural, and political power” (Anguelovski 2015a). Previous studies have demonstrated that access to fresh, healthy, affordable food is correlated with socioeconomic status (LA Food Policy Council 2017; Walker et al. 2010; Alkon & Agyeman 2011; Raja et al. 2008). However, as is being increasingly noted, the introduction of environmental amenities, such as farmers markets and community gardens, can have unintended consequences and trigger environmental gentrification (Kern 2015; Pearsall 2010; Eckerd 2011; Curran & Hamilton 2012; Wolch et al. 2014; Alkon & Cadji 2018). The introduction of upscale grocery stores into areas of low socioeconomic status may signify an influx of affluence and spark business interest in what has become known as the Whole Foods Effect (Anguelovski 2015a). In the last decade, Seattle’s population has undergone significant demographic shifts, as many parts of the city have become gentrified. This study will use ArcGIS to analyze the relationship between these demographic shifts and the changing foodscape, and consequently, which socioeconomic groups have gained and lost access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in Seattle between 2010 and 2017.

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