Availability — not affordability — is the main roadblock for many Latinos struggling with access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods, researchers claim. According to a report from Saludify, there are simply not enough places to purchase these products in predominantly Hispanic areas.
Experts found that Latino regions had one-third the amount of supermarkets compared to non-Latino neighborhoods. The disparity has fueled a movement to increase the number of supermarkets in Latino communities in order to offer more healthy food options to its residents.
Access to healthy food is especially important in Latino neighborhoods, where “more than 38 percent of U.S. Latino youths ages 2-19 are considered overweight and almost 21 percent are obese.” Studies have also shown that Latino children living in poverty are more likely to consume an excessive amount of unhealthy foods.
According to a RWJF report, adding more supermarkets in low-income Latino neighborhoods increased access to healthy foods. The additions were “well-received” and nutritious food sales rose.
Researchers said that by increasing the availability of healthy foods in Latino communities, along with financial incentives offered by health programs to buy them, the well-being of the Latino population would be improved as a whole.
(Photo by rick via Flickr)
