From: McKenna Chandler
Columbus
Regarding public health in Bartholomew County, there is one issue I believe we could work harder to improve. The issue we need to start taking more seriously is obesity and food deserts.
According to the CDC, in our county alone the rate of obesity in adults is 30%. While over 80% of adults don’t consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
As someone who lived on the outskirts of town, we are forced to drive 30 minutes to a grocery store. Those who have full-time jobs have no time to both buy fresh produce, and then cook a full meal at home.
Low income families as well struggle with paying for healthy food.
Since there is no access to nutritious and affordable food it is considered a food desert. This may be a reason so many people choose to eat fast food instead.
One possible way to solve this problem would be a mobile grocery.
Bringing fresh produce to those who don’t have access is a great way to help. By doing this we would be reducing the amount of people who feel like they can’t get healthy simply because they don’t have time to go to the grocery store.
Another possible solution is creating another community garden on the west side of town where local families can grow their own vegetables. This would be helping the cost as well as being a great way to teach the younger generations that eating healthy can be fun.
