Transcript Is Coldspring a food desert? - Independence School Local 1

Is Coldspring a food
desert?
BY CAESAR ARCALES
What is a food desert?
 A food desert is a residential area where healthy food
options are too expensive for the residents and are
not available. Most of the residents are not capable
of traveling to the nearest healthy grocery store and
therefore rely on fast food restaurants and junk food
to supplement their daily nutritional serving.
My Neighborhood: Coldspring
 My neighborhood, Coldspring is located in
Northwest Baltimore. It is a middle- class
neighborhood with a median income of $75,000 per
year for more than 48% of the neighborhood
population and is predominantly Caucasian. It is a
decent neighborhood and is located near Mt.
Washington Elementary school and various private
schools.
Grocery stores and healthy foods in Coldspring
 There are two grocery stores near my neighborhood.
 Whole foods is located in Mt. Washington, about
2000 ft from Coldspring and contains many healthy
food options. They only sell organic and natural food.
However, the food prices are quite expensive.
 Giant, which is located in Hampden, is about 1500 ft
away from Coldspring. It also contains healthy food
options but is more economical compared whole
foods.
Convenience stores in Coldspring
 There are no convenience stores in my
neighborhood. However, there is one nearby in
proximity. 7-11 is approximately 1000 ft away. They
sell products intended
for quick
consumption
Fast food in Coldspring
 There are no fast food restaurants in Coldspring.
However, There is one about 1000 ft from my
neighborhood. Papa Johns sells primarily pizza.
Would you characterize your community as a
food desert? Explain your choice.
 No. Although there are no supermarkets in the
immediate area, every resident owns a vehicle and
therefore have the means to travel long distances to
obtain and purchase healthy meat and produce.
Price of healthy food compared to junk food.
 Healthy food is much more beneficial to your health
compared to junk food. However it is much more
expensive, Which results in people of lower incomes
to consume junk food and fast food. This is part of
why food deserts exist. The real question is, would
you rather risk your health or risk your money?
How can we resolve this?
 Food deserts are a huge problem within our society. However, many solutions
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have been proposed such as…
Growing a community garden in which fruits or vegetables are grown.
While not a direct solution, exercise and run for at least one hour per day. The
results are very beneficial for your health. From studies conducted in the
Harvard School of Public Health, it has been proven that exercise and cardio
help prevent from developing heart diseases, strokes, and high blood pressure.
It also helps prevent diabetes and promotes weight loss in obese or overweight
individuals. Also take a nutritional supplement if needed.
Produce trucks have been established in places such as California and
Michigan. This is a very innovative solution and can be very helpful to those
living in food deserts.
After a survey revealed that more than ninety- four percent of residents would
purchase produce if it was available in their local convenience store, The city of
Minneapolis enacted the MCHS, which requires corner and convenience stores
to stock a certain amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Something similar could
also be enacted in Baltimore.
Bibliography:
http://www.pbs.org/ne
wshour/updates/takesgrocery-store-eliminatefood-desert/
http://www.takepart.co
m/article/2013/02/20/
why-supermarketsarent-answer-ourneediest-communities-0
Everyone deserves a healthy and
pleasant lifestyle!