Cheap, convenient food can be found just about anywhere. But where is all the healthy food?
Every year, the number of deaths caused by chronic conditions continues to rise. In the United States, 70% of all deaths are attributed to heart disease and other chronic illnesses. The major culprit behind these statistics? Poor diet.
The Nutritious Food Problem:
Good nutrition is crucial for growth, development, and overall health. However, access to nutritious food often comes at a premium price. In some communities, especially low-income neighborhoods, the only available food sources nearby are processed or of low quality. This limited access to healthy food within a reasonable distance from home further adds to the cost of maintaining a healthy diet, which is already higher than the cost of readily available, albeit unhealthy, food.
When it comes to eating on a tight budget, high-quality healthy food costs more per portion than junk food. If we compare the price per calorie, junk food is the cheaper option. This issue is compounded by the shorter shelf life of healthy items compared to preservative-laden junk food. This disparity creates what we call the “nutritious food problem,” where people trying to save money opt for the cheaper option to stretch their limited budgets. Unfortunately, these inexpensive foods are high in calories, sodium, solid fat, added sugars, and refined grains.
The Double-Edged Sword of Convenience:
Influences on eating habits go beyond access to healthy foods near home. Schools and workplaces are often surrounded by establishments that sell convenient, ready-made food. These meals tend to be high in calories and lacking in nutritional value, but they are either easily accessible or the only option available in close proximity. A study conducted by The Food Trust found that living closer to healthy food retail was associated with better eating habits and a decreased risk of obesity. If healthier food options were more readily available, people would be more inclined to choose nutritious meals. However, in cases where healthy food is not an option, convenience becomes the determining factor in food choices.
But what can we do?
While it would be great to have the government step in and offer incentives to improve access to healthier foods or to subsidise the cost of high-quality healthy foods to encourage healthy eating habits, this may not happen in the near future. Luckily, there are a few things that consumers can do to improve their access to healthy foods.
One option is to vote with your wallet. Support smaller retailers that offer healthy foods, as your patronage will help them stay in business and continue to provide those healthy options. Demand healthy choices at your local supermarket or choose to only purchase healthy options to encourage retailers to reconsider their buying and spending strategies. Consider partnering with a smaller business to provide healthy meal options for your office park. You can also grow your own produce at home and offer any excess to nearby shelters or those less fortunate. Lastly, consider ordering microgreens from us to add flavor and nutritional value to your meals, whether as a side salad, in soups, smoothies, or as a garnish.
Next time you come across a farmer’s market or a small store offering great produce, consider supporting them. You never know the impact your support might have.