Obesity and Poverty - An Unhealthy Partnership

In his April 2nd blog post, Nick Patterson cites poverty as a major contributing factor to obesity and its related health problems.  The lack of affordable fresh food in poor neighborhoods had led to “food deserts” in these vulnerable communities.  A 2009 study by the U S. Dept of Agriculture estimated that over 5 million households live ½ mile or more from the nearest large grocery store and that most lack a vehicle or affordable transportation to reach these stores.  The expense of building and operating grocery stores in poor neighborhoods and a lack of access to credit for local grocery operators discourages efforts to build grocery stores in poor communities.  Readily available and inexpensive fast food, high in fat and calories, becomes the default choice for these neighborhoods. 

The Obama administration announced a Healthy Food Financing Initiative in 2010 designed to attract investment in underserved communities with flexible grant and loan financing providing funding to local retailers to build more grocery stores.  The initiative is designed to develop public-private partnerships for a market based approach to the obesity crisis.  Legislation implementing this plan was introduced by Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in November 2010.  President Obama proposed $345 million for it in his FY 2011 Budget.  The level of funding in 2011 and 2012 is uncertain until a budget is approved but there has been bi-partisan support for the proposal in the past.

Wal-Mart has launched a major initiative to improve the food choices they offer in their existing stores and to build new stores in underserved areas.  They have moved to reduce sodium and sugar and remove trans fats in their private label food products and have been reducing prices to make their products more affordable.  They are also increasing their charitable support to nutrition programs to educate families about healthier food choices.

These are two examples of how government can work hand in hand with private enterprise to tackle a serious and costly health crisis in our country.  I hope they will inspire other retailers to step up to the challenge.  We should all root for their success.