Access to fresh food needed to tackle obesity

Lack of access to fresh healthy foods is one reason cited for the rise in obesity rates among the country’s low-income population. That’s why programs that aim to combat obesity attempt to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables into poor urban neighborhoods.

In Philadelphia, for example, where one third of adults are obese and one in ten has diabetes, small neighborhood grocery stores are receiving subsidies that encourage them to stock fresh produce. And low-income customers who qualify can receive discounts for buying fresh food.

Watch this news video of how the problem is being addressed in Philadelphia.

But this problem isn’t limited to the nation’s biggest cities. In Vancouver, these so-called ‘Food Deserts’ also exist. As an April article here in The Columbian pointed out, new grocery stores are primarily built in affluent areas of the city, while other areas have relatively few options. Central Vancouver, where incomes are about 40 percent lower than the rest of the city, is particularly under served.

In your opinion, does Vancouver have enough healthy food options for low-income residents?

The Vancouver Farmers Market accepts food stamps as payment for all food that’s intended to be eaten at home, including bread, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Where do you buy your fresh food?