Food Deserts, Capabilities, and the Rectification of Democratic Failure

Andrew F. Smith

Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 2016, vol. 17, issue 2, 178-190

Abstract: Food deserts include any area in the industrialized world in which reasonably priced, nutritious food is difficult to obtain. They constitute a pressing public health concern insofar as food desert inhabitants disproportionately suffer from a variety of diet-related conditions. Amartya Sen has written extensively about famine as a failure of functional governance. I draw on these considerations to defend two claims. First, the perpetuation of food deserts also constitutes a breakdown specifically of functional democracy. Second, this breakdown is best addressed by implementing programs and policies that reflect Sen's capabilities approach to justice. I challenge the proposition that resourcism or any other competing approach is preferable for this particular undertaking.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2015.1019433

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