By Diane Moss, Managing Director, Project New Village
Photos courtesy of Project New Village
Access to healthy, fresh, sustainably grown food is a basic human right. However, access to fresh produce and healthy food options is not universal and some communities are at a disadvantage. Supermarkets, farmers’ markets and community gardens tend not to be as readily available to people in low income, low access communities. When everyone who eats does not have culturally appropriate food in the quality and quantity needed to maintain optimum health, health disparities in food access and nutritional consumption are observed.
The federal government uses the term “Food Deserts” to designate geographic areas where access to affordable, healthy food options (aka fresh fruits and veggies) is limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are too far away. “Low access” is defined in part by how many supermarkets or large grocery stores are located within 1 mile of a neighborhood.
Another term used by scholars and policy makers to describe neighborhoods with food disparities is “Food Swamps,” defined as an area where there is an over abundance of high-energy, low nutrient foods (read: fast food) compared to healthy food options. Even in neighborhoods with grocery stores, the plethora of low nutrient options in a food swamp can crowd out healthier options, particularly for kids and busy families.
Barriers to food access include:
1) Physical barriers (proximity of food),
2) Economic barriers (affordability of food),
3) Educational barriers (knowledge of how to prepare food), and
4) Cultural barriers (historical exploitation and racialized practices).
The impact of inequitable food access include:
1) Increased rates of food insecurity marked by greater demand for food subsidies in SNAP/Food stamps and the demand for food from emergency food assistance programs and;
2) An over-dependence on neighborhood convenience stores with limited offerings of fresh foods sold, frequently for a high price, leading to myriad health, nutritional and long-term sustainability implications.
Healthy eating is essential for keeping well and a mindful approach to eating can help individuals to stay on track during a stressful, unpredictable time such as the COVID-19 pandemic. So, here are some tips for mindful food shopping:
- If there is not enough fresh, healthy food at your local grocery store, you’ll likely need to expand your definition of what is considered healthy. Packaged, frozen, and canned produce can be a nutritious choice for you and your family. Just be sure to opt for frozen or canned vegetables without heavy cream-based sauces and ones labeled “low” or “reduced sodium” or “no salt added.”
- Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of plant-based proteins, such as nuts, seeds, and beans while limiting animal products.
- Try to buy two weeks’ worth of groceries, to limit the number of times you must go grocery shopping.
- If freezer space is limited or frozen protein options aren’t available at your grocery store, stock up on canned sources such as tuna fish, salmon, sardines, and chicken.
- Choose healthy, nonperishable sources of fat. Along with protein and carbs, fat is another essential macronutrient. Healthy, nonperishable sources include nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts; nut butters such as peanut, almond, and cashew; and olive, sesame, and avocado oils.
- Enjoy comfort foods — Just choose them carefully. The majority of your diet should be comprised of whole foods that are low in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat, But this is not a time for self-deprivation.
Project New Village has begun to take steps towards dismantling the historical impact of food insecurity and food deserts in minority communities and is moving forward with an equitable vision and plan for our community food system. Our goal of improving fresh food access in Southeastern San Diego is part of a broad-based movement to build social equity giving way to healthy neighborhoods. For more information, contact us via phone, email or our website at 619 262-2022, [email protected], or projectnewvillage.org.
