Gentrification and Food Environments: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

Abstract

AbstractGentrification is a complex and controversial process, where the influx of new, wealthier residents to previously run-down neighbourhoods brings change such as economic development, infrastructure investments and lower crime rates, but can be to the detriment of the original lower-income residents, who are either displaced, or stay but cannot take advantage of the new opportunities. Understanding how neighbourhood change affects food environments can shed light on the possible causal pathways between gentrification and urban health inequalities. This rapid evidence assessment reviewed evidence on the impact of gentrification on the healthfulness of food environments globally. Ten studies were identified through a systematic keyword search and assessed. We found limited evidence of an effect, with a small, albeit consistent, body of evidence mostly comprised of low- to medium-quality observational studies, all from high-income countries. Most studies examined effects on availability or affordability of food, finding an association between gentrification and increased availability of unhealthy foods, or reduced affordability for original low-income residents.