This competency-based preservice home economics teacher education module on food availability in economically depressed areas (EDA) is the first in a set of three modules on foods and nutrition in economically depressed areas. (This set is part of a larger set of sixty-seven modules on the Management Approach to Teaching Consumer and Homemaking Education [MATCHE]--see CE 019 901-967.) Following the module objective and overview, three units of instruction are presented: (1) characteristics of markets in economically depressed areas (with a lesson on types of markets and implications for the EDA), (2) food assistance programs (with lessons on food stamp and commodity food programs and on feeding children and the elderly), and (3) cultural and psychological factors which influence food spending among EDA families. Each unit includes the objective, overview, and a progress test. Lessons contain a narrative summary, suggested activities and resources, progress check, and answer key. A module pre/posttest (with answer key) concludes the document. (Workshop proceedings relating to the development of these modules are available in the ERIC system as CE 019 896-899; also available is a module on utilizing FHA-HERO as an instructional strategy to expand and strengthen the home economics instructional programs [CE 019 900].) (CT)