Next Steps.The following are my personal recommendations for counteracting the health risks of food deserts. However, these are just starting points. You can also play your own part in the fight against food deserts.
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AdvocacyAdvocacy can take multiple forms and we can all play a role.
Food desert awareness can be spread through increased research and promotion. We can write to state legislation to propose more tax incentives for supermarkets to invest in lower access areas. We can support continued legislation that taxes unhealthy foods, while requesting research be conducted on the effects of the tax on lowered health concerns, specifically obesity. |
AccessibilityThere are various ways to increase accessibility and decrease health risks.
Creating consistent community shuttles allows more families to reach supermarkets. Shuttle service can be coordinated with community centers and other community support organizations. Thus providing more families without cars the opportunity to have healthier food options. Mobile farmer's markets also provide increased access to healthier foods. Working with governmental agencies along with local farmers to integrate into communities, also normalizes healthy food choices. |
EducationEducation is key. When we start to understand how something affects us, we can learn to make changes.
Currently, there are tools available that inform the public about the nutritional content of most foods. Yet, many of us do not know how to access or interpret this information. Resources should be provided to educate the public on how to use these existing tools. Community members along with support of health care providers can provide healthy living cooking classes. In conjunction with community centers, people can learn more about making tasty and nutritious meals using their available resources. The myth that farmer's markets are more expensive than other options must be combated. Most markets can be less expensive options than grocery stores and offer fresher products. Also, most farmer's markets accept SNAP, EBT and other government assistance payment options. |