Among Philadelphia residents who participated in the project, seventy five percent raised concerns regarding an unhealthy food environment. Especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods, residents decried the lack of healthy, affordable food options. They also lamented that local food establishments tend to sell alcohol and cigarettes, often individually as "loosies." Advertising for alcohol and cigarettes is often emblazoned across the facades across these shops, as evident in the photos embedded, at the locations where they were taken, in the map below. The photographs capture images of food establishments throughout the three neighborhoods emphasized in the study. These communities represent a steep socioeconomic gradient: North Central Philadelphia (44% poverty), Fairmount/Spring Garden (30% poverty), and Center City West (13% poverty).
Photographs like these can serve as data points, documenting variation in the food environment across the socioeconomic spectrum. Photographs can also generate reactions and directed, candid discussion of the underpinnings of poor health. In this project, photographs of food establishments often sparked energetic dialogue among participants regarding why, for instance, supermarkets are so scarce in poor neighborhoods. Or why the African American community has lost its economic ground, in terms of ownership of local food establishments. Or why food is so expensive, of such poor quality, or so outdated, in corner stores.
[the food] is not too healthy. Don't look for any fresh things. Now if you want to get a quick sandwich or something, they'll do that because that's what they do. But don't look for shelf life...they could care less about the life expectancy of tuna or anything else that's on their shelves...
-Health of Philadelphia Participant
Academic manuscripts in press and in revision, further delve into these issues, which local residents identify as central to their health—in terms of overall wellbeing, risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease—and also in terms of their quality of life in their communities.
