Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
Food Deserts
Food is one of the basic needs of humanity and it determines a people’s health and wealth. However, society comprises individuals from different backgrounds, cultural practices, and social statuses, all of which determine their eating habits. Food deserts, which serve a community with non-fresh food products, have continued to exist in many parts of the world despite global efforts to provide affordable and healthy food products. In essence, the unavailability of affordable food, distance from food stores, and poverty have contributed to the increase in food deserts and can be solved through social and national initiatives to support disadvantaged populations.
Reasons for Existence and Health Effects
The existence of food deserts can be attributed to an interplay of several factors, including poverty and lack of awareness. According to Wright et al. (2016), many people eat unhealthy food provided in the food deserts because no food stores for healthy products are available near them. Food stores are lacking in these areas because of poor access to transport routes and the poor economic status of the residents. It is important to note that some people could access healthy food from food stores but prefer the available unhealthy products due to ignorance, as shown by Wright et al. (2016). Unhealthy meals affect a person’s immunity and render them vulnerable to illnesses, leading to death. In essence, desert stores have led to many premature deaths and a series of illnesses in the communities where they exist.
Solutions
Local and international efforts are required to combat the challenges posed by food deserts. First, communities need to be educated on the importance of healthy food. This should be the first step because lack of education would make people continue with unhealthy meals even if an alternative was provided. Second, affordable food should be provided to cater to the poor people who miss healthy meals. Third, agriculture should be encouraged in society so that that future generations can live sustainably healthy lives. Kitchen gardens and the growing of crops in plastic containers can be used to eliminate food deserts in many rural and urban areas.
Reference
Wright, J., Donley, A., Gualtieri, M., & Strickhouser, S. (2016). Food deserts: What is the problem? What is the solution? Society, 53(2), 171-181. Web.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.