NYC Gazette

‘Food Deserts Act' Would Support Grocery Stores Providing Healthy, Fresh Food in Underserved Communities

Over 10 Percent of Americans Lack Access to Affordable Healthy Foods

Washington D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Representative André Carson (IN-7) in introducing the Food Deserts Act, which would help eliminate food deserts by supporting grocery stores in underserved communities. This new legislation would provide grant funding to purchase, open, and support the operation of grocery stores in food deserts, an area with limited access to affordable, healthy, fresh food. The Food Deserts Act would also require grant recipients to provide healthful foods and raw fruits and vegetables at or below market averages and will prioritize applicants who hire workers from within the community, source from local urban farms and gardens, or provide educational information about a healthful diet.

“The cost of food can be a tremendous burden for working families, and we need to be doing everything we can to ensure that every person has access to healthy, affordable fresh food,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Families must be afforded the opportunity to put nutritious meals on the table and that means having grocery stores in their communities that provide fresh, high-quality ingredients and produce. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting to ensure that every family has access to the food they need to live healthy, thriving lives.”

Over 29 million Americans, 10 percent of the population, do not have access to affordable, healthy foods. Many of the people living in these communities do not have access to a car or public transportation and due to a lack of local grocery stores, rely on unhealthy food from fast-food restaurants or convenience stores. Unhealthy eating habits ultimately leading to high rates of diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, and other diet-related problems. Lacking essential nutrients can cause overtime trouble learning and behaving in school or difficulty performing at work and other activities.

Original source can be found here.