Often times, the reason Americans consume so much processed food is due to a lack of access to healthier, organic foods. Today we look at the limitations faced by lower income communities in particular, and the ways they can overcome these challenges.
Community gardens are one way that communities can come together to increase local access to fresh and organic foods (Image courtesy of Kristi of "30 Pounds of Apples).
At this point (especially after the last blog) I'm sure we can all agree that heavily processed foods are not ideal for a healthier lifestyle. The issue when it comes to improving American diets, however, is often from a lack of means of eating healthily, and not so much from a lack of desire. This is especially true in low-income communities. Limitations like higher cost of organic foods, lack of supply/ access at local stores, and lack of education on the matter are large factors when it comes to preventing communities from taking their diet to a healthier level.
Organic food products are regularly more expensive than regular ultra-processed foods, often due to a myriad of factors, from higher production costs to cost of organic certification. It is not uncommon to see items like organic milk and organic bread priced at practically double the price of their more processed counterparts. Although the disparity in prices is decreasing as the years go on, it is very gradual and alternative solutions must be found in the meantime to support a healthier diet in low-income communities. It is fairly self explanatory to understand how those most affected by poverty would have trouble justifying the purchase of expensive healthy foods when they can buy the cheaper (although processed) alternative.
Another limiting factor for many low-income communities is simply restricted access to affordable healthy foods. There are situations that are particularly prevalent in low-income urban environments labeled as "food deserts". A food desert is essentially an area where convenience stores are the only areas available to shop for food. Due to the time and money requirements that result from shopping at multiple different stores, many family will commit to completing most of their grocery shopping at these convenience stores that have a minimal to nonexistent supply of fresh or healthy food products.
One of the biggest causes of a poor diet (regardless of wealth) is a lack of proper education on nutrition. This plagues lower income communities on another level due to often times sub par education systems, and general lack of knowledge about fresh produce. Even if food deserts were fixed and these communities had easier access to affordable healthy food options, they often lack an understanding of the importance and health benefits of eating fresh food. There may also be an issue with a lack of experience and therefore confidence when it comes to preparing fresh organic foods, and this may also lead to low-income families opting for more familiar processed foods.
One simple solution to many of these issues is creating community gardens, like the one pictured at the beginning of this entry. Whether in an urban or suburban environment, community gardens are a great way to involve all kinds of people with the growth and maintenance of a manageable supply of organic food. This not only gives people in the community access to some of these healthier food products, but by involving them in the process helps educate them on the importance of eating healthier and benefits of fresh food. This is also a great way to involve children with a measure of responsibility early on in both the community and the foods they are eating.
Along with improving the initial early care environment of child education facilities so that children can develop healthy eating habits early on or giving the choice of salad bars at school to establish a solid foundation for healthy eating, there are many ways to overcome some of the limitations that come with eating a healthier diet. It is important to acknowledge that these limitations exist, however, and to work and strive for more equitable means of obtaining healthier and fresher products so that we can overcome health issues nationwide resulting from a heavily processed diet.