Unjust des(s)erts: food retailing and neighbourhood health in Sandwell Available to Purchase

Describes the context, motivation and findings of health sector‐led research into food retailing in an urban conurbation with significant levels of deprivation and a poor health record. The research involved the systematic collection of price and availability data for a wide range of foods. Maps were constructed showing access to different types of food within walking distance. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 175 shopkeepers to explore some of the factors affecting the viability of their business and their capacity to stock “healthier foods”. The social, economic, environmental and health‐related implications of these findings, and the limitations of current “food access solutions”, are discussed. It is argued that the quality of local neighbourhood food retailing should be a key indicator of, and a priority for, regeneration. The paper finishes with some recommendations for action and a vision for the future.