How Food Deserts Contribute to Obesity and Public Policy Surrounding the Issue
Last year, I wrote this research paper for a humanities research competition, MIT Inspire.
Last year, I wrote this research paper for a humanities research competition, MIT Inspire.
Last March, National Geographic featured an article about food waste on its front cover. The article featured Tristram Stuart, a chef and food waste activist, who has traveled the world, meeting with farmers and learning about their waste habits. He visits a Kenyan farmer who shares that he rejects 40 tons of green beans, broccoli, … More Food Waste pt. 2: Waste Watchers
“BY THE YEAR 2020, ONLY TWO OUT OF EVERY 10 RECRUITS WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE WEIGHT-FITNESS QUALIFICATIONS TO SERVE.” — DR. GREGORY POLAND This probing article reveals the scarier side of our obesity epidemic. It explains that weight is the n.1 impediment to eligibility in the armed services. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/too-fat-fight-obesity-crisis-national-security-risk-n582331
In a nyc.gov progress report, Greenmarket and the Council on the Environment of NYC address skeptics of the Greenmarket and Health Bucks system. Since the EBT initiative in farmer’s markets, in which shoppers can choose to pay with their food stamps, not only have EBT sales gone up, but more and more markets are accepting … More Success Stories
As I continue this project, I become increasingly sensitive to everyday manifestations of poverty. Whereas before, I was skeptical of subway panhandlers, I now “buy into” their dramatic, devastating stories. Most of the time, they are asking for money for another subway ticket, or food. I give what I can, including whatever snacks like granola bars … More Food Waste: Part 1
I visited Morningside Heights today. As I climbed up the steps from the 1 train, I was greeted with a large expanse filled with food vendors. It was a farmer’s markets. I was delighted by the different food samples the vendors offered, with everything from bread and jelly, to healthy long beans stir fried in sesame … More EBT at Farmer’s Markets
It may seem that the US as a whole is becoming more aware about health issues. Indeed, over the last 20 years, sales of non-diet sodas have dropped by more than 25%, while the sale of bottled water has shot up. Bottled water consumption has increased 7.3% percent since 2013, the Wall Street Journal reports. … More Is soda the new tobacco?
Bodegas are a huge source of food in food deserts. However, there are very limited healthy options. … More Healthy Bodega Initiative
In Harlem, the root of the obesity epidemic lies in multiple factors. First, there is the issue of access. A survey (coming soon!) of the streets of Harlem shows that there is very limited access to supermarkets, farmers markets, and other sources of fresh foods. The primary source of food for low income Harlem residents … More Addressing the Obesity Epidemic though Education
We are drowning in obesity. Today, a third of the adults in the United States are obese. 17 percent, or 12.7 million children ages 2-19 are overweight. Statistics are ominous. By 2030, the obesity rate is projected to hover around 50%. The numbers on the obesity rate split-flap increase, as do those in media consumption. … More Advertising and Obesity