Problem Definition & Research
Problem Definition
The Capstone Project began with a collection of ideas. We answered questions based on our interests, our strengths, and our honest weaknesses. We took these ideas and tried to come up with an answer for how we could solve a problem to do more good in the world.
​
Through this I decided that my problem would be food deserts. After the proposed solution stage two class mates and I were offered the chance to be partners given we were trying to solve the same problem. We decided to take that opportunity. I didn't know that much about them but that's what the next step was for.
Research
Food deserts are areas where access to fresh produce is limited or otherwise inconvenient. More than 20 million Americans live in food deserts, with the majority being in poor, urban areas.
​
Solutions for these food deserts have tended to be one of two things, farmers markets or community gardens. Detroit has large urban farms that feed more than 20,000 households. Farmers markets, while effective at bringing food near communities have many of their own problems, as do normal community gardens.