Are healthy food oases springing up in food deserts?

[Marisel Brown]

Although there has been criticism of First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to heighten awareness regarding the childhood obesity epidemic, we see movement in large and small efforts to bring better food choices to low income communities.  Wal-Mart, enterprising food truck operators, and corner grocers are taking advantage of public funds, public-private partnerships, and private capital to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables.

These efforts may not be sufficient to ensure that nutritious and good-tasting food is purchased and consumed.  A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that availabilty of fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhood supermarkets does not lead to eating healthier fare.  Current efforts do not add value to fruits and vegetables for low income residents.  In this case, value means taking the extra step of preparing dishes using healthy ingredients.  Low income families need access to prepared foods that offer a healthier and equally inexpensive alternative to fast-food.

Click on the link to read the LA Times article Michelle Obama, Wal-Mart, and the food desert problem.

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-fruits-vegetables...