Cheryl Smith

Food desert into an oasis

Austin-based freelancer who writes about agriculture and food policy, Jan 23, 12.

Tagged with urban planning, sprawl, food, urbanism, food policy, urban farming, food production, food security, junk food

For many Texans, it’s easier to get Cheetos, Twinkies, and Ho Hos from a convenience store than fresh fruits and vegetables from a supermarket.

The US Department of Agriculture reports that approximately 15 percent of Texans reside in food deserts, defined as more than a mile from a grocery store or supermarket in cities, and more than 10 miles in rural areas. National studies have linked lack of access to healthy food in low-income and minority communities with diet-related diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The story has made its way to the White House, where first lady Michelle Obama has campaigned against childhood obesity and for financing healthy food initiatives. Recently, she recognized Walgreens for offering produce in some of its inner city stores, not just the usual assortment of high-fat, high-sugar, processed foods.

Given the situation, you’d think our state government would promote bipartisan legislation to help people gain easier access to nutritious food.

So far, that isn’t the case.

Full Story: Turning the Food Desert into an Oasis
Source: Texas Observer, January 17, 2012

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