Program on the Environment

Access to nutritious food is essential for survival. Yet, a significant portion of the global population, including over 10% of adults in Seattle and 26% of University of Washington students, struggle with food insecurity. This issue is particularly pronounced in minority communities and is exacerbated by the presence of food deserts – areas lacking local grocery stores. This study aimed to answer a critical question: could urban agriculture be a viable solution for alleviating food insecurity in Seattle’s food deserts? During my internship with City Fruit, I gathered observational data on the impact of food insecurity on Seattle residents and collected additional data independently. Using the USDA Food Research Atlas, I identified food deserts and analyzed their demographics. I also used GIS mapping and public data to assess the available open space for urban agriculture within these areas and calculated the necessary yields of fruits and vegetables to support food-insecure residents. My findings indicate that sufficient space exists to meet 75% of the fruit and vegetable needs of the approximately 103,000 residents in Seattle’s food deserts. While implementing such a project would present challenges, it could reduce grocery bills for food desert residents by 15%, foster community connections, create opportunities for technological innovation, improve air quality, and mitigate the urban heat island effect for the entire city. This research underscores the potential of urban agriculture to combat food insecurity and promote sustainability in urban environments, offering a promising solution to a pressing issue.