Family Solutions To Food Scarcity

San Bernardino County is home to 32 designated food deserts and is investing in community driven, scalable solutions that will improve children’s quality of living. Food deserts are defined by a lack of access to affordable healthy food and disproportionately affect communities of color. 27 out of San Bernardino’s 32 food deserts are located in primarily Hispanic communities. Eating habits have an incredible effect on an individual’s overall health, and people who live in food deserts are more likely to experience long term health issues. Simple solutions like substituting soda with fruit in your grocery haul or encouraging children to pack their own healthy snacks encourage healthier eating habits that last a lifetime. Pediatric hospitalist, Gabriella Pina, DO, suggests that starting with small, practical, and affordable changes lessens the effects that living in a food desert has on children. Our Health Equity supports community and individual solutions that expand access to vital nutritious food to all Americans and establishes healthy habits. Read more here.