(28) How does increased market power in the Gruetli Laager, Tennessee food desert affect consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables?

This research paper discusses the economic, social, and political aspects of food insecure areas that cause fresh food markets within food deserts to display more power than a food market outside of a food desert with more... [ view full abstract ]

This research paper discusses the economic, social, and political aspects of food insecure areas that cause fresh food markets within food deserts to display more power than a food market outside of a food desert with more potential competitors. For the purposes of this research paper, market power was displayed by the pricing of healthy foods and vegetables relative to other markets outside of food deserts and was used to compare the differences in pricing of these fruits and vegetables with their consumption of these products. Using Gruetli- Laager, Tennessee as a case study, I conclude that economic, social, and political factors have contributed to increased market power of grocery stores located in food deserts. An increase in this market power has thereby caused a distinct decrease in consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables for this specific population.