Access to Healthy Food: Solutions

Is equal access to healthy foods really that important?

Yes. People in low-income communities are the main victims of unequal food access. This issue is a contributing factor in the high rates of obesity and diabetes in the U.S. The well-being of these communities will have impacts on our future-- we must end healthy food access inequalities.

No. People in low-income neighborhoods must work harder and be more dedicated in having a balanced diet. Access to food is not based on how much money you make.

Identify the possible solutions to providing greater access to healthy foods.

Donating money to local food retailers who can then expand the availability of their products.

Educating others and spreading awareness of the dangers of an unhealthy diet. Did you know that a diet consisting of high fats, salt, or sugar can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteporosis, and more? Letting others know this information and how difficult it can be for poorer neighborhoods to contain healthy (and affordable) foods can result in people taking action towards making a change.

Bring the community together. There is power in numbers-- obtaining funds from people within the community that go towards new and convenient grocery stores can go a long way. A study of 4,000 adults living in New Orleans showed that supermarkets placed within the participant's neighborhood were associated with lower risks of obesity. Ease of access matters!

Identify and select 2 local healthy food access organizations

Healthy Foods/ Healthy Lives Institute-- recommends healthy food choices and info on nutrition https://www.hfhl.umn.edu/

U of M Extension Organization-- provides links of who to contact in order to take action information regarding the issues of this injustice. http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/health-and-nutrition/toolkits-and-resources/healthy-food-access/

Minnesota Center for Prevention organization-- helps educate people on the injustice and provides a "take action" tab http://www.centerforpreventionmn.com/take-action/pulling-together-mn-fact-sheets/healthy-food-access

Food and Agriculture organization-- gives statistics of geographical food disparities http://www.fao.org/statistics/en/

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