Healthy Food Source Research Articles

Sorption of fluorescent polystyrene microplastic particles to edible seaweed Fucus vesiculosus

Increased global demands for food have raised interest for seaweed as a healthy and sustainable food source. At the same time, the large amounts of microplastic in the oceans have raised concern in relation to pollution of seafood including sea vegetables. The aim of this study was to examine sorption of fluorescent polystyrene (PS) microplastic particles to edible macroalga (seaweed) Fucus vesiculosus, and to investigate to what extent adsorbed PS particles could be washed off, using an industrial relevant method. PS microplastic particles (diameter of 20 μm) were used in a concentration of 2.65 mg L−1 (corresponding to 597 particles per mL) in filtrated seawater (50 mL) to treat F. vesiculosus distal tips in blue cap flasks (100 mL) placed in a rotary box for 2 h. Results showed sorption of PS microplastic particles to F. vesiculosus analysed by microscopy and a significant reduction of 94.5% by washing. These results were based on high microplastic concentrations, not comparable to natural conditions/concentrations. Nonetheless, this study provides methodological and mechanistic insights into procedures for investigating the sorption of microplastics to seaweed, for which there is currently no established standardised method.

Effect of some Media on Artichoke Sprouts Production and Nutritional Values

Sprouts are excellent source of, amino acids, enzymes, minerals, phytochemicals and vitamins which are the most useful compounds for the human health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three germination media (soil mixture consisted of soil + vermiculite + 10 % compost, rice straw and kitchen paper towel) on the production and nutritional value of sprouts artichoke comparing with artichoke heads. The highest sprouts yield was produced on soil mixture. On the other hand, based on dry weight, the comparison among sprouts produced on the different media, indicted that sprouts produced on kitchen paper towel showed the highest values of the most nutritional. Meanwhile, sprouts produced on kitchen paper towel exhibited significantly value higher contents of protein, total lipid, inulin, total sugars, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, antioxidants, the essential amino acids (such as leucine, isoleucine, threonine, phenylalanine and valine) than detected in artichoke heads. Reversely, artichoke heads significantly value higher contents of fibers, carbohydrates, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, total phenols, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and the essential amino acid aspartic than all sprouts. The essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid) were determined in sprouts produced on soil mixture and rice straw, but they were not found in artichoke heads and produced on kitchen paper towel. According to the current results, it is recommended to collect artichoke seeds, before they are scattered in the soil at the end of the season, to be used in producing sprouts throughout the year as a source of healthy food and a protection from various serious diseases.

Comparison of some mineral nutrients and vitamins in advanced hulled wheat lines

Background and objectivesAncient wheat species, einkorn and emmer wheat, are potential healthy food sources for their vitamin and element contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate some elements and vitamin A and B complex of 36 einkorn and 49 emmer wheat advanced lines tested under field conditions.FindingsThe results showed that some emmer wheat lines were extremely higher than those from einkorn and durum wheat checks for microelements. The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se of the emmer wheat lines were found to be 41.72 ± 3.57, 17.06 ± 0.63, 2.85 ± 0.15, 18.11 ± 0.71, and 0.05 ± 0.00 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the means of A, B1, B2, B5, and B6 concentrations were determined as 65.48 ± 2.39 μg/kg, 4.22 ± 0.13 mg/kg, 0.36 ± 0.05 mg/kg, 3.60 ± 0.21 mg/kg, and 2.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionsThe emmer wheat lines of 24, 43, 44, and 53 for elemental and 3, 4, 11, 17, and 24 for vitamin A and B complex can be selected for enrichment of the wheat products.Significance and noveltySuperiority of emmer wheat lines in terms of micronutrients and vitamin A and B complex compared to einkorn lines and durum wheat cultivars was obviously demonstrated.

Evaluating the Contribution of the Built Environment on Obesity Among New York State Students.

One third of school-aged children in New York State (NYS) are overweight or obese, with large geographic disparities across local regions. We used NYS student obesity surveillance data to assess whether these geographical variations are attributable to the built environment. We combined NYS Student Weight Status Category Reporting System 2010-2012 data with other government publicly available data. Ordinary least squares regression models identified key determinants of school district-level student obesity rates for elementary and middle/high schools. Geographical weighted regression models explored spatial variations in local coefficients of the built environment predictors. From ordinary least squares models, higher farmers' market density was only significantly associated with lower obesity rates among elementary school students (b = -0.116; p < .01). Higher fast-food restaurant density was significantly associated with higher obesity rates (b = 0.014; p < .05), and higher land use mix was only significantly associated with lower obesity rates (b = -0.054; p < .01) among middle/high school students. In geographical weighted regression analyses, the inverse association between market density and obesity rates among elementary school students was more pronounced in the eastern portion of the state. The relationship between higher fast-food restaurant density and higher obesity rates among middle/high school students was found in the southeastern portion of the state. Different patterns of food consumption may explain varying determinants of obesity between younger and older students. Regional variations in local associations between the built environment variables and obesity may suggest differences in how healthy food sources are accessed locally.

Variation in biochemical constituents and master elements in common seaweeds from Alexandria Coast, Egypt, with special reference to their antioxidant activity and potential food uses: prospective equations.

Biochemical constituents and master elements (Pb, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg, B, Al, SO42-, Na, K, Li, Ca, Mg, and F) were investigated in six different seaweed species from Abu Qir Bay in the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast. The moisture level ranged from 30.26% in Corallina mediterranea to 77.57% in Padina boryana. On dry weight basis, the ash contents varied from 25.53% in Jania rubens to 88.84% in Sargassum wightii. The protein contents fluctuated from 8.26% in S. wightii to 28.01% in J. rubens. Enteromorpha linza showed the highest lipids (4.66%) and carbohydrate contents (78.95%), whereas C. mediterranea had the lowest lipid (0.5%), and carbohydrate contents (38.12%). Chlorophylls and carotenoid contents varied among the species. Total antioxidant capacity of the tested green seaweeds had the highest activities followed by brown and red seaweeds which had a similar trend of phenol and tannins contents. High reducing power was observed in all tested seaweeds extract except Ulva lactuca. Brown species had the highest amount of elements followed by red and green seaweeds. Notably, SO42- recorded the highest level in the tested green species (108.05mg/g dry weight (DW)). The Ca/Mg and K/Na ratios reflected highly significant difference between seaweed species. This study keeps an eye on 29 parameters and by applying stepwise multiple regression analysis, prospective equations have been set to describe the interactions between these parameters inside seaweeds. Accordingly, the tested seaweeds can be recommended as a source of healthy food with suitable ion quotient and estimated daily intake values.

Effect of rutin and quercetin on the physicochemical properties of Tartary buckwheat starch

Tartary buckwheat is rich in phenolics and is an excellent healthy food source. To evaluate the endogenous phenolics affecting the physicochemical properties of the starch in Tartary buckwheat products during processing, varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) of the predominant phenols, rutin and quercetin, were co‐cooked with Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS). Rutin and quercetin reduced the peak and final temperatures and enthalpy of TBS during gelatinization, lowered the aging enthalpy of retrograded TBS, and increased the trough and final viscosity of TBS paste and reduced its breakdown. The two additives also reduced the hardness and cohesiveness of TBS gels, while improving their water‐binding capacity. The morphologies of gelatinized and retrograded TBS were greatly altered with the presence of rutin and quercetin. The interaction between rutin or quercetin and TBS may be responsible for these changes, and the starch–phenolic binding force was much weaker than that in the iodine–starch complex. Our study provides insight into the physicochemical effects of the phenol–starch interactions in the Tartary buckwheat food matrix in a model system.

Identification of a sustainable two-plant diet that effectively prevents age-related metabolic syndrome and extends lifespan in aged mice

The current system of food production is linked to both the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and the deterioration of the environment, and thereby calls for novel ways of producing nutritious foods in a sustainable manner. In the “longevity village” of Bama, China, we have identified two plant foods, hemp seed and bitter vegetable (Sonchus oleraceus), that are commonly consumed by its residents and grow abundantly in unfarmed land without fertilizers or pesticides. Here, we show that a diet composed of these two foods (the “HB diet”) provides a sufficient variety of nutrients and confers significant health benefits. Aged mice allowed ad libitum access to the HB diet not only had longer life spans and improved cognitive function but were also protected against age-related metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation compared to aged mice fed a control Western diet. Furthermore, longevity-related genes (including 5′adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, sirtuin 1, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and forkhead box O3) were significantly up-regulated, while aging-related genes (including mammalian target of rapamycin and nuclear factor kappa B) were down-regulated. These results demonstrate that the HB diet is capable of promoting health and longevity, and present a sustainable source of healthy foods that can help control the prevalence of chronic diseases and reduce agricultural impact on the environment.

Assessment of Mung Bean Quality Through Single Kernel Characterization

With significant interest in incorporating beans, lentils, and pulses as nutrient-rich healthy food sources into our diets, a reliable technique for their rapid and accurate quality evaluation is needed. The method of single kernel characterization to determine the physical properties (i.e., diameter, weight, moisture content, and hardness) of mung beans was assessed in this study. Two mung bean varieties were characterized using the single kernel characterization technique and the results were compared to traditional methods. It was observed that predicted bean weights were accurate to known laboratory measurements (R = 0.98, n = 200). Individual bean characterization was moderately (R = 0.58–0.7, n = 100) correlated in regard to the true diameter of mung beans. An evaluation on moisture content was performed after tempering the two bean varieties to four moisture levels and a good correlation was obtained with the oven drying method (R = 0.92, n = 24). Hardness values obtained by single kernel characterization were moderately correlated to maximum forces measured using an Instron universal testing system. However, a common relationship was observed between mung bean hardness and moisture content when using both methods. Compared to visual inspection, automated characterization of single beans is a superior technique to measure the geometrical and mechanical properties of mung beans in an industrial setup where high throughput is paramount.

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Eating and School Lunch Meals among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.

We explored how perceived barriers and facilitators influence healthy eating and investigated the acceptability of changes to school lunch meals among adolescents after implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. We conducted 8 focus groups with adolescents (N = 64) at 3 South Los Angeles high schools. Data collection instruments included a semi-structured guide and questionnaire. Two researchers independently coded transcripts. Most participants believed fruits and vegetables were available in their community and reported high relative cost, poor quality, and lack of motivation as barriers to consumption. Many said school meals were an important source of healthy food and were aware of recent changes to the school lunch program. A primary facilitator to eating school lunches was access to fresh food items (eg, a salad bar). Perceived barriers included long cafeteria lines, time constraints, lack of variety, and limited quantities of preferred items. Adolescents viewed off-campus food establishments near the school as competition to school meals. Our findings suggest the need to measure perceived and actual barriers to healthy eating among adolescents and to examine the effect of these barriers on dietary behavior. We provide programmatic and policy recommendations.

Bioaccumulation of metals in juvenile rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss) via dietary exposure to blue mussels

The potential for metals to bioaccumulate in aquatic species, such as fish, via trophic level transfer was investigated. An in vivo experiment was set up in a flow-through system in which juvenile rainbow trout were fed blue mussels collected from a Class A pristine site and an effluent-impacted river estuary, over a period of 28 days. Selected elements (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sn, V, Zn) were determined in the mussels and fish tissues (muscle and skin) collected at 0, 14 and 28 days. This study reveals the occurrence of metals in mussels sampled in the Irish marine environment and highlights the bioaccumulation potential of metals in fish tissues via trophic transfer. All 14 monitored metals were determined in the mussels collected from both sites and mussels collected from the effluent-impacted site contained three times more Co, Mo, Sn and V than the mussels collected from the Class A site. Following a 28-day dietary exposure, concentrations of As and Se (fish muscle), and Pb, Se and Zn (fish skin), were significantly greater in fish feeding on contaminated mussels compared to those with a regular fish feed diet. The significance of metal detection and bioaccumulation in the mussel and fish tissues, highlights the potential for metal exposure to humans through the food chain. As fish are recommended as a healthy and nutritious food source, it is important to fully understand metal bioaccumulation in commercially important aquatic species and ensure the safety of human consumers.

Nutritional Quality Evaluation of Indian Fish- Trichiurus Lepturus

Trichiurus Lepturus constitute one of the most important commercial fishes of India. Nowadays the major health problem arises due to malnutrition and lack of excellent sources for the nutrient food supply. Fisheries are one of the most promising healthy food sources that humans and other animals depend. Hence nutrient profiling is important to know the calorific value of food for the edible purpose. This study was aimed to find the nutritional quality evaluation of the fish Trichiurus lepturus collected from Cochin, Kerala and to suggest the calorific value of fish Trichiurus lepturus . It was found that the fish Trichiurus lepturus is a chief source of fats and proteins. The high concentration of fat may be an indication of high calorific value than compared to other fishes since the portion of calorific value lead by fat more.

Proximate and fatty acid composition of cooked South African Cape snoek (Thyrsites atun)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Cape snoek (Thyrsites atun) is an important source of protein for people in South Africa; however, nutritional information thereof is limited. The proximate and fatty acid compositions of raw and cooked (80 °C) snoek muscles were determined according to official AOAC methods. The mean moisture, ash, total lipids and protein for raw snoek were 72.8±1.86%, 1.3±0.09%, 4.0±1.16 and 21.5±1.35%, respectively. Cape snoek is very high in palmitic acid (24.65±1.43%), oleic acid (18.21±2.64%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 9.11±2.06%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 19.70±3.25%). With the exception of total lipids, cooking significantly reduced moisture (69.40±2.03%) and ash (1.12±0.12%), and increased protein (24.47±1.39%) content. It is concluded that Cape snoek is very high in protein and can be classified as a low-fat fish which is rich in EPA and DHA.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Cape snoek is a low-fat fish, containing less than 4% fat, and is high in EPA (9.11±2.06%) and DHA (19.70±3.25%).&#x0D; Cape snoek is thus a healthy, cheap and high-protein food source, with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Editors' Introduction

Editors' Introduction Hilda E. Kurtz and Deepak R. Mishra We are pleased to introduce the second issue of 2017. This issue of Southeastern Geographer once again showcases the diversity and energy of our discipline as it ranges across physical, human and techniques-oriented domains. William Graves and Ronald Kalafsky revisit Glasmeier and Leichenko's (1996) evaluation of the Southern economy in relation to the global economy. Examining geographies of economic evolution in the region, they find mixed results. The region has progressed in some measures relative to the nation, and regressed in others. The authors suggest linkages between their findings and region-wide wage structure and other policy stances. In "The work of southering: 'Southern justice' and the moral landscape of uneven racism", David Jansson suggests that scholars may inadvertently reproduce discourses of internal orientalism in analyses of the Southern region. After demonstrating the ways in which even analyses intended to unsettle stereotyping of the region may on some level reinforce sterotyping, Jansson suggests several pathways for avoiding such missteps. Jansson introduces several key concepts which readers of Southeastern Geographer are likely to find constructive. The paper by Ping Yin examined the gestational and trimester-specific association of high outdoor temperature and full-term birth weight and risk of low birth weight. The study found a significant but weak association of gestational or trimester-specific high temperature exposure with birth weight in Georgia between 2000 and 2006. No adverse effects of high outdoor temperature were found on low birth weight risk except for the number of hot days (days with temperature greater than 103°F) in the second trimester. Based on the weak association, the author concluded that the high outdoor temperature may not be a major threat to low birth weight in Georgia because of people's adaptive behavior. However, as climate change proceeds, it is important to understand how warming trends will affect the reproductive health in developing countries since this information can help guide local public health adaptation efforts. Mulrooney et al. developed a method to measure relative food availability using a raster or pixel based relative travel time index (PRTI). This study was part of a larger research project investigating rural food insecurity around Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the greater Fort Bragg area. PRTI represents the ratio of travel time to the nearest healthy food source versus that to the nearest unhealthy food source at the pixel level thus providing a more comprehensive visualization of food access in a specific geographic area. The authors found that in a four county region southeast of Fayetteville food swamps were prevalent in northern Robeson [End Page 110] County and a swath running through central Sampson County. They also found the percentage of minority residents was statistically higher in PRTI derived rural food swamps than non-food swamps and indicators related to low-income were found to be to be statistically significant than non-food desert counterparts. This research may improve our understanding of the spatial distribution of food swamps as well as interpretation of the food environment in any given region. In addition, this issue includes a full book review section. In short, the articles in this issue showcase scholarship that engages with geographic change at a wide geographic range and highlight the contemporary issues in the region. We conclude by inviting proposals for themed issues of Southeastern Geographer, as well as inviting readers to continuing submitting excellent work to the journal. If you would like to organize a themed issue, please send a 2-page proposal highlighting the summary, justification, list of specific research areas, and potential author names/affiliation (if already known) to Email: segeditors@uga.edu. [End Page 111] Hilda E. Kurtz and Deepak R. Mishra University of Georgia Copyright © 2017 Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers

Chemical Composition of Turkish Okra Seeds (Hibiscusesculenta L.) and The Total Phenolic Contents of Okra Seeds Flour

Okra is a common vegetable in most regions of Turkey and available all year-round, with a peak season during the summer months. In this study, the chemical composition and physical properties of matureokra seeds were investigated, firstly. Then, the unroasted okra seed flour (OSF)and roasted okra seeds flour(ROSF) (40 minutes at 160 0 C) were analyzed for total phenolic contents and DPPH radical scavenging activity.The results of flour samples showed that the greatest value of phenolics in OSF(157.80mgGAE100g -1 flour) and ROSF(232.19mgGAE100g -1 flour). The concentration that provided 50% radical scavenging (IC 50 ) was determined as 360.25±2.01mgml -1 and 452.39±12.27mgml -1 for roasted and unroasted okra seed flour, respectively. Regarding physical and chemical composition, okra seeds and their flour could be recommended for a good source of protein, fat, mineral and phenolic acid, which can be help remove the stigma of "starvation food" for people and promote them as a healthy food source.

Novel protease from the leaves of edible medicinal plantAster koraiensisNakai with antithrombotic activity: Purification and partial characterization

Nakaiase, a novel protease with antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties was purified from the leaves of Aster koraiensis Nakai, an edible medicinal plant. It had a molecular weight of 23 kDa, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. The protease was active at 30 °C and pH 7.0. The amidolytic activity of nakaiase was inhibited by EDTA, EGTA, and several metal ions (Ca, Ni, and Zn). Nakaiase inhibited fibrin clot formation and degraded blood clot. It also inhibit activated factor X and thrombin enzymatic activity. In addition, nakaiase prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Further, the protease exerted significant protective effects against thrombin-induced pulmonary thromboembolism in mice. Nakaiase at a dose of 20 mg/kg was devoid of hemorrhagic activity. These results suggest that nakaiase has similar property to metalloprotease-like protease, and has potential as a therapeutic agent for thrombosis owing to its antithrombotic properties and lack of hemorrhagic activity. Practical applications Aster koraiensis Nakai, an edible medicinal plant, has long been used as a traditional medicine and healthy food source in Korea because of its pharmacological efficacy. This study provides beneficial information regarding the antithrombotic potential of A. koraiensis Nakai and bioactive enzymes. Our findings clarify the antithrombotic activities of a new purified protease, which is useful in the development of potential natural pharmacological resources and agents for functional food and clinical application.

The role of genetics in fisheries management under the E.U. common fisheries policy

Exploitation of fish and shellfish stocks by the European Union fishing fleet is managed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable and that they provide a source of healthy food for E.U. citizens. A notable feature of the CFP is its legally enshrined requirement for sound scientific advice to underpin its objectives. The CFP was first conceived in 1970 when it formed part of the Common Agricultural Policy. Its formal inception as a stand-alone regulation occurred in 1983 and since that time, the CFP has undergone reforms in 1992, 2002 and 2013, each time bringing additional challenges to the scientific advisory process as the scope of the advice increased in response to changing objectives arising from E.U. regulations and commitments to international agreements. This paper reviews the influence that genetics has had on fish stock assessments and the provision of management advice for European fisheries under successive reforms of the CFP. The developments in genetics since the inception of the CFP have given rise to a diverse and versatile set of genetic techniques that have the potential to provide significant added value to fisheries assessments and the scientific advisory process. While in some cases, notably Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp., genetics appear to be very well integrated into existing management schemes, it seems that for marine fishes, discussions on the use of genetics and genomics for fisheries management are often driven by the remarkable technological progress in this field, rather than imminent needs emerging from policy frameworks. An example is the recent suggestion to use environmental (e)DNA for monitoring purposes. While there is no denying that state-of-the-art genetic and genomic approaches can and will be of value to address a number of issues relevant for the management and conservation of marine renewable natural resources, a focus on technology rather than policy and management needs is prone to widen the gap between science and policy, governance and management, thereby further impeding the effective integration of genetic and genomic information into the fisheries management decision making process. Hence, rather than focusing on what is technically achievable, this review outlines suggestions as to which modern genetic and genomic approaches are likely to help address some of the most pressing fisheries management challenges under the CFP.

Measuring Vulnerable Population's Healthy and Unhealthy Food Access in Austin, Texas.

Food deserts—areas with a significant low-income population experiencing low accessibility to healthy food sources—have been well studied in terms of their connection to obesity and its related health outcomes. Measuring food accessibility is the key component in food desert research. However, previous studies often measured food accessibility based on large geographic units (e.g. census tract, zip code) with few transportation modes (e.g. driving or taking public transit) and limited vulnerable population measures. This paper aims to demonstrate a new method to measure food access for different vulnerable population groups at a smaller geographic scale with different transportation modes. In detail, this paper improves on previous studies from the following three perspectives: (1) Measuring food accessibility with a smaller geographic scale: block group vs. census track which on average includes 1000 people vs. 4000 people; (2) Measuring food accessibility with different transportation modes: walking, biking, transit, and driving vs. driving only; and (3) Measuring food accessibility for different vulnerable population groups. The proposed method was tested in the city of Austin, which is the capital of Texas and the 11th largest city in the US, and measured people's accessibility to both healthy and unhealthy food sources within the city. The methods can be applied to address food accessibility issues in other cities or regions.

Cyclodextrin을 이용한 발효홍삼농축액 최적 포접 조건

ABSTRACT Fermented red ginseng concentrate is known as a healthy food source, whereas it has off-flavor such as bitterness and sour flavor based on fermentation. β- and γ-cyclodextrin (CD) were used to encapsulate the off-flavor of fermented red ginseng concentrate by using response surface methodology design on β- and γ-CD combination. The reducing effects were analyzed by sensory evaluation for bitter and sour tastes, ginsenoside Rb 1 , and total acidity. The optimized mixing ratio of β- and γ-CD for reducing bitterness was the least expected value of 2.07 at β-CD 3.74% versus the soluble solid content of fermented red ginseng concentrate and the γ-CD 20.63% mixture. The encapsu-lation effects of ginsenoside Rb1 were the most expected value of 96.75% at β-CD 3.47% and γ-CD 19.89% mixture. The encapsulation effects of sour taste were the least expected value of 5.63 at β-CD 9.34% and γ-CD 9.96% mixture. The encapsulation effects of lactic acid were the most expected value of 67.73% at β-CD 16.0% and γ-CD 13.18% mixture. Based on encapsulation and each optimized combination, the most effective entrapping β-and γ-CD combination ratio was β-CD 10% and γ-CD 13%.

Considering Public Transit: New Insights into Job and Healthy Food Access for Low-Income Residents in Baltimore, Maryland

Scholars, policymakers, and activists widely accept that low-income neighborhoods tend to lack amenities such as healthy food and employment opportunities. Most studies concerning access to these amenities assume that residents either drive a personal vehicle or walk to their destination, yet many low-income urban residents rely on public transit systems to access supermarkets and employment. This is especially true in Baltimore, a city where 11% of households do not own a personal vehicle. This study provides a methodological approach to incorporate these concerns into spatial analyses of food deserts and employment access. The method uses metropolitan planning organization-defined transportation analysis zones (TAZ) as the unit of analysis and evaluates public transit access to healthy food (i.e., supermarkets) and employment opportunities from each TAZ. This analysis can be used by decision makers to identify areas for improvement and ensure that transit-dependent individuals have good access to employment and healthy food sources. Twenty-four TAZs are identified as high-priority for transit improvements, many of which include former industrial areas and company towns, demonstrating the impact of historical development patterns on current populations in Baltimore. Considering budget constraints of transit agencies, this methodological approach can be used to make cost-effective and impactful transit improvements that address the needs of transit-dependent residents.

Do food deserts exist in Calgary, Canada?

A significant amount of research has examined supermarket accessibility, and food deserts have been identified among high‐need residents. However, little research has explored the changes that occur in terms of access to healthy food when taking farmers' markets into consideration. Furthermore, few researchers have emphasized communities with large populations of children and seniors. This study investigated the accessibility of supermarkets and farmers' markets in the city of Calgary, Canada. Two communities with proportionately large populations of children and seniors coupled with low income levels and limited access to healthy food sources, were identified as food deserts. The results also suggested that farmers' markets provide surrounding neighbourhoods with significant benefits, even though the overall alleviating effects on the lack of access to healthy food are limited.