Being able to access — and afford — healthy food is one of the major issues facing the south end of Saint John, according to a new survey by the grassroots community organization PULSE.

Over nine weeks, the organization talked to people on the streets, as well as to representatives from community groups and other resources that exist for residents.

The findings of those surveys will be presented Thursday night at Saint John the Baptist-King Edward School.

No grocery store in south end

Researcher Dakota Lutes became involved with the survey as a student at UNB Saint John.

"The first thing we needed to do was identify the assets in the community and how people use them," he said. "Then, we asked them what they thought the problems were."

Their findings on food security were particularly concerning, Lutes said.

"We're not talking about people starving, we are talking about people eating not eating regularly, and not eating healthy, balanced meals," Lutes said.

The problem is "a combination of limited access, and financial constraints when you're living week to week on your money," said Lutes.

And with no grocery store in the south end, most people rely on walking to Giant Tiger, or take a combination of buses and taxis to grocery stores outside the neighbourhood, he said.



Poor health can be a result.

"It's easier to buy something like chicken nuggets that you know won't go bad than something like avocados or yogurt that's expensive and might spoil," he said.

Fresh produce is available at the City Market and Giant Tiger, but it's more expensive than less-healthy options, so it's out of reach for many residents, according to researcher Dakota Lutes. (CBC)

Some issues cross income levels

In a small sample of 34 residents, he said, 52 percent said they were experiencing moderate food insecurity.

"Sometimes even when the finances are there, people don't have the education on how to feed themselves properly, and eating well takes time," he said. "That issue affects different populations regardless of income."

The survey also covered issues related to housing, and how people use community spaces such as Rainbow Park, Queen Square, and Tin Can Beach, Lutes said.

The survey also covered housing issues and how people use community spaces such as Rainbow Park, Queen Square, pictured, and Tin Can Beach. (Julia Wright / CBC)

PULSE, which stands for People United in the Lower South End, has a mandate to improve the quality of life for people living and working in the neighbourhood.

"We are dedicated to stamping out poverty in that area of the city, and food security is at the top of the list," said program manager Nick Shepard. "It's a huge issue everywhere, and we wanted to take a look at that.

"I hope that this is the first step in significant action toward getting rid of this problem."

Lutes presents the findings of the survey on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at at St. John the Baptist-King Edward School in Saint John.