ANN ARBOR (AP) - Researchers with the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment are leading a five-year, $4 million study of disparities in access to healthy food across the state.

The researchers with the Ann Arbor school plan to interview residents and study data in small- to mid-sized cities to better understand factors affecting so-called food security. The federally funded work also will look at how urban agriculture can get to people in those communities.

Other universities involved are University of Michigan-Flint, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin, Lake Superior State University and Grand Valley State University.

Areas in the study include Sault Ste. Marie, parts of Chippewa County, St. Ignace, Holland, Muskegon, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Ypsilanti, Taylor, Southfield, Warren, Pontiac, Inkster and Dearborn.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)