Photo by Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
Imagine living in a neighborhood where the closest place to buy food is a small convenience store stacked with chips, soda, and frozen meals. For many people, this is the reality. These areas refer to food deserts which is where people have limited access to healthy and affordable food. These areas often lack grocery stores that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Food deserts can often be seen in low-income communities as well as rural areas, where people already have many difficulties in their daily lives.
People living in food deserts typically have limited access to fast food chains or small market stores (also referred to as ‘convenience’ stores), both of which are often located in the same neighborhoods where the individual resides. Primarily, these types of stores sell processed foods and frozen meals. The majority of the time, these types of food items are inexpensive; however, while they may be easily obtained, these food items offer very few nutrients. Over time, increased consumption of processed food products may result in increased chances of serious illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and certain digestive disorders.
One of the most significant factors contributing to the existence of food deserts is transportation. Many families do not have vehicles to transport them to grocery stores, and many families cannot rely on public transit to access grocery stores. As a result of this, many families buy food from the closest store to their home, regardless of whether or not the closest store provides food that is healthy for their families.
Cost is another factor which plays a huge part in whether or not a family is able to access healthy food. This is because fruits and vegetable products usually tend to be more pricey in comparison with other food products. Due to this reason, most of these families usually tend to buy only processed food products in order to ensure that each member of the family is able to receive their food. In a way, these families don’t have an option when it comes to making a choice concerning their food.
An important role is performed by schools as well as local organizations. Food served in local schools includes breakfast as well as lunch for children who might otherwise be deprived of healthful food at home. In addition, food banks aid people in acquiring healthy food during difficult periods.
A food desert may be a huge issue that may influence a human’s life, especially in terms of health, both mentally and physically. A human living in a food desert often risks acquiring a number of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart ailments. Children risk acquiring serious ailments as they are in an early developmental stage, mentally as well as physically. Children may suffer from a lack of concentration, energy, etc., if proper nutrition is lacking in a food desert.
Many communities are working together to reduce the effects of food deserts. Many cities are urging grocery stores to open in areas where there is a lack of grocery stores. Others are also in support of farmers’ markets, which come into the community on a weekly basis to provide fresh produce. Additionally, community gardens are very beneficial because they provide an opportunity for the community to grow vegetables and fruits in their area.
Food desert elimination will not occur easily and requires assistance from local/state/federal governments, cooperatives, and the general public. Access to transportation (including better means of transportation) and reducing the cost of food will make a significant difference in eradicating food deserts as well as supporting community-created food initiatives through cooperatives, farmers markets, and other locally generated initiatives.
Working together to create greater access to fresh, locally-grown affordable food options can allow communities to achieve the goal of providing their residents with healthier, higher-quality lives for the long term.
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