Health Issues In Inner Cities

There are many health problems that low-income inner city family’s face. Many of these problems are related to their diet. Countless individuals have to choose what they eat based on affordability and access to food. Inner city people do not have many major full service grocery stores or farmers markets within walking distance. Yet, there are numerous fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and bars on every block. Even the major drug stores have been source of high-fat and processed foods. Supermarkets have a wider variety of foods and better prices than corner stores. Key issues that affect where people of low-income families shop consist of convenience of store locations, food prices and food stamp programs. Inner cities across

Heath problems with poor nutrition include: high-blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, learning problems, obesity and many more. “ The highest levels of obesity were observed in census tracts with no supermarkets (large, corporate-owned chain food stores), with access to only grocery stores or convenience stores” (Larson et al.). Therefore, if residents had greater access to healthier foods we would predict that their health would improve. Studies suggest that people who have better access to supermarkets and other stores that offer fresh food have a healthier food intake

One way to do this is creating healthy food centers increasing the community’s ability to grow, sell and eat local grown food. Will Allen from The Good Food Revolution, created city farming through his business called Growing Power. Will Allen has become a staple throughout farming and inner city communities. He has created farming and living systems that are economically feasible for neighborhoods to have healthy produce and protein all year round. He has revolutionized communities through his innovative thinking and farming. Will also provides opportunities to people in the community to learn agriculture and engage in hands on experience. A food center would offer schools, universities, government agencies and farmers in the community the opportunity to learn and participate in developing healthy sustainable food. Will Allen’s all around philosophy and dedication to sustainable farming and healthy food will transform future cities and generations to