| | It is of the utmost importance for everyone to make healthful eating choices. Everyone knows that healthy eating habits lessen an individual’s chances of many diseases, while reducing the risk of obesity, which has become a huge problem in our nation. The dilemma, however, is that it is more difficult for some people to get to the healthful food they need and deserve. With bad choices on every block, it can become difficult and expensive to eat right. When you step into a fast food restaurant with three dollars, it is possible to get full but not in a healthy manner. While some fast food places offer healthful food items, it is usually much more expensive than their less healthy options. For this reason, for the good of the community and from a utilitarian perspective, there needs to be more options. I also don’t think it is enough to have an easily accessible grocery store. Stores such as Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Sprouts that offer organic and GMO free options are usually “conveniently” by nice neighborhoods. It isn’t just that those living in poverty do not have these options readily available. This is just as important if not more important than healthcare. If our children grow up without these options, they are doomed into unhealthful eating choices that set their standards for life. In order for this cycle to stop, there needs to be more easily accessible options for everyone.
Reference:
Hilmers, A., Hilmers, D. C., & Dave, J. (2012). Neighborhood disparities in access to healthy foods and their effects on environmental justice. American Journal of Public Health, 102 (9), 1644-1654. Retrieved from the Ashford University Library. |
