Addressing the Paradox of Food and Health in Mexico: A Landscape Urbanism Approach

Abstract

A significant segment of the inhabitants in Mexico have a high rate of malnutrition and obesity, especially in impoverished and segregated areas. This study analyzes the paradox of food swamps, food availability, and food’s ecological footprint to promote the creation of community gardens in Querétaro. This paper is segmented into four sections. It starts by recording the omnipresence of the Mexican chain “OXXO” convenience stores, which offer mainly processed foods. The second segment of the research depicts the miles traveled by Mexican crops to visualize their carbon footprint. The third portion explores the impact of urban agriculture in the 20th century on cities. The final section proposes designing and implementing community gardens in two marginalized neighborhoods (Tlacote and San Antonio–Bolaños) in Querétaro, Mexico, to foster healthier, more sustainable neighborhoods. The findings corroborate a soaring number of unhealthy food stores, elevated carbon footprints related to food production, and a community request for urban agriculture, including the regeneration of community public areas. The research emphasizes the impact of landscape urbanism, especially community gardens, to foster social, urban, and environmental regeneration. The study provides a scheme for advocating healthier lifestyles and more sustainable urban environments by focusing on food distribution, ecological services, and community engagement.