Geographic-specific structural inequities and food security: Opportunities for Public Health Nursing

background Segregation is a persistent structural determinant of health. Food security research in disadvantaged communities can illuminate geographic inequities maintained by continued segregation of American cities. Explorations in how structures of food inequity are manifest in communities continue to be dominated by White perspectives. This presentation provides an alternative viewpoint on Seattle geography and health with regards to food security from the unique perspectives of African American youth and community kitchen participants from a marginalized community in Southeast Seattle. methods Using case studies, the findings describe the ways participants use discussions of geographic differences to underscore persistent segregation with regard to food access and availability. results Results describe how food inequities differentially challenge the health of community members from each case study. conclusions Findings from both case studies suggest the importance of participant perspectives in identifying geographic-specific structural inequities in relation to food access and availability. Findings also suggest discursive strategies for mobilizing policy solutions that mitigate such inequities through the prioritization of local developmental initiatives in areas persistently affected by segregation.  Public health nurses working in areas persistently affected by segregation can lead efforts that highlight community members’ voice in defining inequities and can be full partners in mobilizing policy solutions that mitigate these inequities.