Living in Metro Vancouver, we all have access to fresh air . . . but not everyone has equal access to fresh produce.
Food deserts are areas with limited access to healthy and affordable choices. According to Statistics Canada, in 2024, “approximately 9.8 million people, or 24% of Canadians, lived in households that reported some form of food insecurity.” Racialized groups and Indigenous Peoples had higher rates of food insecurity than non-racialized groups.
The Government of Canada defines food deserts as being homes that are generally “more than 1 kilometer from a food store in urban areas and more than 16 kilometers in rural areas.” On the one hand, the lack of accessible transit options can promote food deserts. Those without vehicles must travel to and from the grocery store by foot, public transit, or taxis, which is not always feasible due to individual budget capacities, health conditions, and extensive travel distances. On the other hand, sub-urban, car-centric areas such as Dunbar and Kerrisdale, have fewer grocery stores and fresh food shops due to zoning constraints. In areas where nutritious foods aren’t easily accessible, people turn to convenience stores or fast food chains that sell foods high in fat and sodium.
Nutritionally poor diets increase the probability of developing chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Consumption of ultra processed foods is also correlated with gut biome damage. Ultra processed foods have low fibre content and high counts of additives or other chemicals for colour and preservation. Frequent consumption of ultra processed foods has been linked to “shorter sleep duration, decreased sleep efficiency, and an increased incidence of insomnia,” according to the National Library of Medicine. A diet consisting of ultra processed foods can also increase the risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The gut-brain connection influences mood because serotonin — a neurotransmitter that facilitates the connection between these two organs — is largely produced in the gut. This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood and digestion, and can skew both of these systems if it’s insufficiently produced.
Being able to access a healthy diet can be a barrier. Burnaby is fortunate to have ample outlets for fresh food, and a food system strategy to make up for gaps in this coverage. However, Burnaby is not cheap to live in, with the third-highest living costs in Canada. New “master planned” developments like the City of Lougheed and Brentwood have several grocery options within walking distance. These communities are billed as luxury living with a steep financial barrier to entry.
While it can be difficult to compose a diet of fully fresh or wholesome ingredients, community fridges, community gardens, and food banks can help.
On campus, the SFSS food pantry and food bank offer resources like grocery hampers and free produce. SFU hosts the Embark Food Rescue table during academic terms, allowing produce that doesn’t make the cut for supermarkets to have a chance at serving a nutritional purpose.
