Food deserts occur in areas where people are predominantly poor and/or elderly, both rural and urban. The grocery stores have left, and these communities they have abandoned offer very little options for nutritious food––predominantly fast food remains. The issues are access, education about nutrition, and money, as the convenience stores and fast food restaurants that remain are overpriced, and offer little food of nutritional value. Grocers have incentive to follow the money to meet their bottom line. What if incentives were offered to smaller grocers to open for business in food deserts? This could also be an opportunity for innovation. For example, the work place offering education and vending machines with nutritious options. As the main issue is access, transportation needs to be addressed--perhaps some sort of delivery, or farmers markets coming into the neighborhoods, as well as the creation of community gardens that also provide education on the value of good nutrition.
-Marisha Wadsworth
Welcome to EcoLife! This blog, which is hosted by Portland State University students, aims to motivate, inform, and inspire change. We want you to learn about the complicated issues surrounding homelessness, while going beyond the tip of the iceberg. We hope to establish a connection with you through our posts regarding the lives and experiences of homeless individuals, expressed in these numerous stories and articles. We hope you enjoy our blog!
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