Good Lifestyle

Imagine living in a world without fresh food - no grocery store in sight - a world where the only meals are from thefast food Restaurant on the street. You get your protein with a heated frozen cake; your vegetables of a slice of pickle; Your fiber of a sesame sesame bun sesame. You want to eat healthier, but I can not. Your kids eat a good meal for dinner most evenings, healthier than happy.

It looks like the premise of a post-apocalyptic film, but it is the reality of millions of Americans living in a "desert of food". In 2009, theUSDA Estimated that 23.5 million Americans lived in a low-income area and more than one mile from a supermarket or a great grocery store. (Note: About half of these people do low income, and the other half live in the census tract that is considered a low-income area.) When there is a family to feed and cost restrictions To win, the Fast Food often becomes the main source of food for individuals living in these areas, especially with the ever-increasing prevalence of these chain restaurants. In fact, the US Economic Research Department of US Agriculture (USDA)Atlas food environment revealed that the number of fast food restaurants in the United States increased by9% Between 2009 and 2014.

Alternatively, some families live a few steps from a convenience store, a corner store or even agas station. However, what these places and fast food restaurants are in common: they do not all come to provide fresh and healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables to the local community.

So where are these food deserts and what can you do if you live in one?Eat this, not that! statement to investigate.

What is a food desert?

The USDA defines aLow access tract For an urban area, where at least 500 people or 33% of the population lives more than half a mile from the nearest supermarket, supercenter or large grocery stores. For a rural area, 10 miles is the cut. Remember that this measure does not take into account small opportunities for food as independent epicators. However, it is probably the most comprehensive analysis of US food deserts currently available.

This number of 23.5 million Americans does not take into account another very important factor. In addition to the income and the proximity of a store, you must access a vehicle.

According toMichele Ver Ploeg, Chief Executive Officer of Food Assistance at the USDA, "At the national level, about 4.2% of households ... you do not have a car and are more half a mile away from the store ". This action even represents the number of people living more than 20 km from a grocery store, regardless of vehicle access. "Now it turns out, only about half a million people in the United States is suitable for this definition of life to more than 20 miles from a store," says Ver Ploeg. However, traveling this kind of distance just to get food enough to build it like a burden and shop for food in local shops and eat in nearby fast food restaurants is inevitably much easier to Make day-to-day.

Have limitations to food access does not seem the same for everyone, and there are many factors to also consider, such as age, physical disabilities and cost of living in some areas. In other words, there are many other barriers apart from the three great: income, close to a store and access to a vehicle.

What are the revealing signs that you live in a food desert?

The most coherent feature of a food desert has a lack of access to fresh and healthy food. Living in a food desert does not necessarily mean that there is no food available; This means that there are no healthy options readily available.

Some desert territories of food have an abundance of convenience and corner stores, but a rarity or lack of healthy foods, which actually gives the area another name.

In an email withAnne Palmer, the food communities and the director of the public health program at theJohns Hopkins Center for a liveable futureShe writes: "I do not think the duration of the desert of food tells the whole story, because it involves a lack of food. In many low-income neighborhoods, the shops available to residents are a small convenience and Corner stores stored with ready-to-eat food, mainly high in sugar, salt or fat. Some researchers have used the term "marshes of food" to characterize neighborhoods with an abundance of small shops. "

Dr. Charles Platkin, editor-in-chief of the health siteDietary detective and Executive Director of the Hunter CollegeNew York Food Policy Center, stresses that in a food swamp ", there may be a low availability of healthy food access, and there may be an overabundance of unhealthy food access, which is not a great form of success in terms of healthy life."

Kelly wind, Vice President of the Project for Public Spaces and a Specialist of Public Procurement, Okay, to write in an email that it is not enough to have a shop that sells a type of food nearby, but Rather, "it must offer products, proteins, and other high quality food products. "She also writes:" I'm saying that the USDA's definition of a food desert is relatively well, but of course, the most important element is quality food. "

Palmer also emphasizes that having no access to any form of transportation and life in a neighborhood with households that all measure less than $ 40,000 a year are two other signs of this type in a food desert.

Why is it a huge problem?

Do not have access to healthy foods and having access to access to highly transformed packaged foods can put a risk at risk of chronic conditions such as type 2Diabetes andheart disease. However, what is even more about the appearance trapping from a food desert. After all, low-income residents probably do not live there by choice.

"It's not enough to say," Well, if you are in a food desert, go to a better domain, "writes Andrew Mayle, direction of the food and nutrition division forHocking Athens Perry Community Action In Ohio, in an email.

"Food insecurity comes with strong stigma. There is a culture of poverty that we notice where people believe that poverty and hunger is the fragility of personal decisions," he said.

Poverty is widespread in some of these desert regions of food and it is even thought to be the root of the problem. In fact, 11.5 million people - who, that is about 4.1% of the US population - building an income less than 200% of the federal poverty thresholds and they live more than 'a mile of a grocery store.

Besides,11.8% of US households Are considered food, that is, at some point of the year, these households were uncertain to have, either uncertain to get a sufficient amount of food to feed their families because of Insufficient income or lack of food resources.

Although several measures can be taken to help fight against food insecurity, many of them will be discussed later, the root of these problems will be largely resolved in the government because it is a systemic question to its core.

"You need policy makers, politicians and community leaders to prioritize public health, ensuring that people can access their rights and advocate for quality food. It's easier in some communities that others, says VEREL.

And even in this case, advocacy programs and local trained local movements can provide an assistance to immediate relief, but it will take time and systemic changes to see improvements to the root of the problem and health results. which are supposed to grow as a result of the situation. low income and low access to fresh food.

"We know that by simply creating accessibility to food, ensuring that it is available, does not necessarily mean, it will be addicted to a dramatic decrease in chronic diseases related to the Food ", said Platkin. "It does not necessarily mean that you will see dramatic changes in food insecurity, which means a reduction in food insecurity and hunger-related problems."

A quick solution does not exist for those who live in a food desert, but that does not mean that you do not have options if you live in a food desert and you need food help. Platkin, as well as the other sources of this article, point out that the introduction of something like a farmers market in a food desert community will not automatically result in an instant reduction in food insecurity or a fall. dramatic of diabetes level. Among this community. However, any form of change is a step in the right direction and gives people the immediate help they need to survive.

"One of the things I think is a focus and a concept so important is that food and healthy health, is a fundamental human right," says Platkin.

The deserts of food can appear drastically different, especially in rural and urban areas. Take a more rural area such as the County of Athens, Ohio and an urban area such as Memphis, Tennessee, as an example in the two graphs below.

Ver Ploeg explains that the yellow areas are low-income census leaflets and have at least 100 housing units that do not have a vehicle and are at least 1/2 mile from supermarket, supercenter or large nearest grocery store. Note: None of these leaflets meets the 20 km portion of this definition - I.E. They do not have at least 500 people or a third of the census census population living at more than 20 miles from a store.

What do the foods processed to your body do?

There is no avoiding processed foods when you live in a food or food marsh desert and eating processed foods over time can be a serious threat to your health. TheCenters for Disaster Control and Prevention Said that if some studies have shown that food deserts can have a negative impact on overall health (by obesity, diabetes and heart disease), more research needs to be done to demonstrate exactly how this influence could occur.

What we know is that high cholesterol levels can make you more sensitive to heart disease, which is the main killer of the US according to the CDC,one out of four death is attributable to cardiac disease. Meat products and dairy products both contain the type of fouling cholesterol from the artery, known as LDL. To eathamburgers Wherebreakfast sandwiches With sausages, bacon, eggs and cheese often contribute to higher cholesterol levels, and these items are always available at fast food restaurants.

Processed foods also tend to be high sugar, which can also lead to a host of health problems, including obesity and type 2. diabetes as well, although there is not enough research Sufficient about living in a food desert causing poor health outcomes, we know that eating this type of process regularly can regularly get you at risk for these results.

What healthier food products can be at your disposal when you buy food purchases?

With low income and rare trips to grocery store, receive adequate nutrition can be a challenge to live in a food desert. We here atEat this, not that!Do you want to demystify the idea that you can not eat healthy on a budget when shopping, that you can not go to a gas station or convenience or if you can do it at a grocery store or a farmer market . Below, we propose advice on which we think we think we are more affordable than others and even give an overview of better foods for you than others in places such as gas stations and convenience stores stores .

Eggs are an excellent example of food that provides nutrition, mainly fat and protein, for an inexpensive price. Of course, it depends on where you live. In urban areas far from farmland, eggs can have a higher price tag. In some states, a dozen eggs can cost less than $ 1. However, let's say adozen eggs is $ 1.66 at the nearest grocery store, which means each egg costs only 13 to 14 cents. Eggs can also be integrated into a variety of dishes. Breakfast clips such asinterference andomelets Tiny, like fries and egg salad. They are an inexpensive way to add proteins to your diet toBreakfast, lunch or dinner.

There are also other food products therecosts less than a dollar-Gain, depending on where you live - but prove even if you do not have a ton of money to spend, you can always find something to eat that fills and nutritious. An apple, an almond portion size, and even an organic rope cheese stick generally costs less than a dollar each.

Other food products that we recommendBuy en masse, like lentils, rice and oats. Often, the purchase of these bulk items will becheaper than buying pre-packaged individual bags. Not to mention, it also gives you the power to scoop the exact amount you want.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive, especially when they are sold outside their growing season. During these months, it may be preferable toBuy these goods in the frozen food section.

"Frozen food is a underutilized product, or at least one sub-promotion that can help expand food resources throughout the month," said Palmer.

All frozen foods are not unhealthy either. You can only think of packed sodium television dinners from the past, but there are several brands that sellhealthy frozen meal. However, they often come with a higher price tag, so make sure you see if there are offers or promotions running. Sometimes grocery stores manage promotions if you buy multiple, so keep an eye on the weekly leaflet for offers.

Finally, if you do not have a means of transport to go to a grocery store and agas station Or the convenience store is all that is nearby, consider diving into the aisles - instead of looking at the cash desk for healthier packaged products. For example, opt for an almond bag instead of a chip bag, or browse the refrigerated section of the station or convenience store for a Sabra Hummus snack cup with a pretzel thin. In this section, be on the lookout for the plain yogurt and string cheese, which are also healthy ways to make calcium.

What can you do if you live in a food desert?

Whether you need help or if you are able to help people in a food desert, there are resources so you can use and ways to help fight food insecurity in your area.

For starters, here are seven resources that you can use if you need help and four ways to help you in your area.

If you need food help:

1. See if you live near a community garden.

"During the months of growth, if you have time and energy, you can participate in community gardens," said Palmer. A community garden is a great way to use unused space and feed a community.

THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION Provides resources for about 18,000 community gardens throughout the United States and Canada. The "Find a garden"The tool on its site helps you identify a community garden near you. The gardens are found in urban and rural areas.

At New York,Harlem Developed Works to increase access and knowledge of healthy foods to neighboring residents. In Harlem Cultivated, children have the opportunity to get agricultural experience and discover sustainability, urban agriculture and even healthy cooking along the way.

2. See if you are eligible for SNAP.

BREAK andWic are two government programs that could help you. Platkin emphasizes that if these two sources may not always offer fresh produce, they will provide some kind of food if you and your family may be hungry. There are farmers' markets that accept food stamps and implement what is called theWIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. You can see which statesparticipate here and use theUSDA National Farmers Market Directory Find the nearest farmers market for you.

3. See if your farmers market or your food distributor give remnants.

Non-profit organisationBALTIMORE is an example of a group of volunteers who collects foods that have not sold in farmers and excess products from distributors and local farms.Farmers' market recovery program As a food is another organization that works to reduce food waste and distribute remnants of food to those who need it. Food advances saves foods of 23 different markets from farmers between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. They save an average of 52,000 pounds of food per month and spend food with hunger relief agencies that then distribute food to their customers within three days.

4. See if your local food bank offers additional support.

Second food bank In Silicon Valley is working to reduce food waste from local distributors and provides food to contextual farmers, the food bank establishes in schools, community centers and senior housing complexes. The cost of living in the Counties of Santa Clara and San Mateo is very high. In these counties,Leslie Bacho, CEO of the second harvest bank, says that household leaders can work several jobs to make ends meet. For the perspective, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that a family of four gains of $ 94,450 per year or less in the County of Santa Clara or $ 117,400 per year or less in the county of San Mateo is considered low-income and could qualify them for food. assistance. This illustrates how different food insecurity is different from the nation.

"In many low-income neighborhoods, there is simply no good access to grocery stores and cooler items are more expensive," Bacho said. "For so many people we serve, there is not just the challenge of being able to afford the food they need, there is a challenge to be able to provide fresh nutritious food."

Southeast of Ohio Foodbank In Logan, Ohio offers a summer food program for all children aged 18 or old, regardless of household income.

"Low-income families living in a food desert have trouble providing very nutritious meals every day of the week. Often, we find that breakfasts and free lunches are the only meals for the kids of the week. When The school year ends, there is an important meal space during the summer months, "says Mayle.

The summer power program allows children to receive a meal a day throughout the summer months on respective food sites. In addition, Ohio Foodbank also gives excess products from the Ohio clearance program, which accumulates products of more than 100 Ohio producers and producers to families visiting feeding sites.

"It allows them to take food at home to get ready over the weekend when our food sites do not work. We want to make sure no child goes without meals," says Mayle.

5. See if mobile markets or food delivery services are an option for you.

Several mobile markets operate in all different parts of the U.S. for example,Twin Cities Mobile Market is a giant green bus that brings something fresh fruit and vegetables to grains, meat and dairy products in various neighborhoods of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota and sells items at an affordable price. This market also accepts Snap.

Second crop bank in Silicon Valley has 17 trucks that provide food for those who need. About two years ago, the Food Bank joined Starbucks to distribute even more fresh food. In the Silicon Valley,1 residents out of 4 are at risk of hunger, of which 25% are families with children. Every night, Bacho claims that the second harvest employees collect elements of remains of remains (such as bistro boxes and breakfast sandwiches) of more than 100 Starbucks from the region every night. This does not cost a cost that customers receiving money from money.

"Thanks to this partnership, Starbucks actually provides a truck, a refrigerated truck and help cover the salaries of the pilots who go to these stores every night to pick up these items and go directly to our partners who are homeless shelters" , said "Bacho." This is a great way for Starbucks to reduce their garbage and people who could really use food help to get very high quality objects. "

Meal on wheels America is another service of this type that provides meals with those who need, especially those aged 60 and over. Jenny Young, Vice President of Communications for Meals on Wheels America, said the food delivery service works roughly to each US community through a network of more than 5,000 local programs independently managed. There are many seniors in the United States who face hunger and isolation that need this service, whether they live in a food desert or not.

"Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in the United States, with nearly 9 million older Americans not knowing where their next meal will come. Older adults face unique food security challenges along [With] a continuum of need, "young people written in an email.

Young also stated that food deserts complicated only this scenario further for seniors to limited mobility, because not only do they live in a low access area, but they are not unable to travel from far distances to recover healthy foods.

"Wheel meals are designed to provide nutritious meals to isolated seniors likely to combat food security because of a number of reasons - they live in a food desert, a remote rural area, or can not Just not leave the house or prepare meals to themselves., "Teen said.

6. Visit a pantry or a food bank for "emergency food".

If you need food, whether it provides fresh products or not, a food pantry is another excellent resource to use. However, as the address of Platkin and Palmer,Emergency food aid programs are only a short-term solution.

"It seems that people depend on food banks and food pants to maintain their ability to eat in general, and long-term sustainability is not what they are designed," says Platkin. "People still had to count on food banks to feed himself."

Palmer says something similar nature: "I am sure that the use of emergency food resources has help only to some extent."

Canned goods and packaged goods are usually the only foods available in the food baskets, there are several thousand food pannings that also provide fresh and healthy options. For example,Ampleharvest.orgis a non-profit resource that connects 42 million Americans who grow food in their own gardens or in community gardens at 8,444 registered food pantries. The gardeners give their surplus the harvest to these pants, which helps to reduce food waste and provide those who are hungry with the nutrition they need.

7. Sign up for a Community-supported agriculture program (CSA).

Community-supported agricultural programs provide members abox of goods Neighboring farms, including fresh products, local products and other agricultural products. CSA's programs are not an option for everyone living in food deserts. These programs require choosing your agricultural property box. Not to mention, it also costs money to receive such healthy products directly from the farm. Community benefit programs may provide support to subsidize these boxes for families that can not allow it otherwise.Local harvest Creating a tool that helps you identify when the nearest CSA program is for you.

If you are able to help:

1. Organize a food workout.

Food training is a great way to provide resources to poorly served communities.Create the property Provides a toolbox that can help you get started. You can collect food or monetary donations to buy food for your local food bank to distribute to those who need it. One way to find the nearest food bank of you is to use the "Find your local food bank"Tool created by nourishing America. Food training can take place during a day or more days. You can ask people to deposit food at a specific location, configure collection points or d 'Organize a food during a locale. Event such as a football game. Inform your local media or broadcast the word via social media, so you can get a lot of people to contribute.

2. Participate in rideshares.

As mentioned above, one of the three main obstacles that those living in food deserts are not accessible to a vehicle. You can organize a group of people who have vehicles and would be willing to drive people to and from the grocery store. An idea is that everyone meets at the office of a local non-profit organization or a place of worship and coordinate a reader towards and from the grocery store from there.

There may also be an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to create a partnership with existing connection services. Last year in Washington, D.C., Non-Profit OrganizationTHE MARTHA TABLE Partner with Lyft to create theLyft grocery store access program, which allows residents to live in neighborhoods 7 and 8 who are eligible to have a walk from the nearest grocery store for a flat roundabout rate of $ 2.50.

3. Plan the development of a non-profit grocery store in your area.

Residents of Chester, Pennsylvania, had been without groceries since 2001 to 2013 when Fare & Square was founded, which is theFirst non-profit grocery store in the country. The grocery store is funded by government subsidies, as well as other companies and donors. Currently, the grocery store is subsidized by the non-profit hunger relief organization,Philabondance.

Last year, the organization distributed more than25 million meals In the Delaware Valley, thanks to the help of 15,000 volunteers, who recorded more than a million dollars of wages. If a non-profit grocery store is not in the maps of your area, looking for a hunger relief organization to volunteer is a great way to save fresh food waste products and deliver it to it. households that could benefit from it. Palmer even suggests "volunteering at an emergency food bank and help them get healthy food in these supply chains."

4. Provide local convenience and corner stores to provide fresh food.

Including fresh products for sale in small shops is both important for food desert areas with corner stores and saturated food marshes from proximity stores and fast food restaurants. Non-profit organization based in Philadelphia Food confidence founded the national Healthy network , which increases the accessibility and sale of affordable and healthy foods through small-scale shops in poorly served communities across the nation. See if the network can also help your region too.