the perpetuation of population disparities.... my role?

So this whole thought process came about after reading about America's healthiest grocery stores. Of course, the usual suspects are on the list- Whole Foods and another personal fav Trader Joe's, not too far after the #1 spot (WF).

After reading the list I immediately felt self-satisfaction, knowing that I am the proud customer of two of the healthiest grocery stores in America, or so they say. Then it hit me, there aren't too many folks browsing around in these grocery stores who look like me. Matter of fact, chances are you would never ride down St. Louis Avenue or N. Grand to find a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. I'm quite certain neither store's business plan includes the opening of a store in the middle of our forgotten corners of North St. Louis City.

Reality is that the grocery stores in such corners of US cities fail to offer food products that would allow one to adapt a healthy diet. If there is even a viable grocery store in these areas to begin with.

Various reports and studies have shown that in many inner city grocery stores little to no fresh produce is offered, items on the shelf are usually kept there past the expiration date, not to mention the severe higher price placed on food items.

Meanwhile, I travel 15 to 20 minutes just to gather up my pricey organic produce, non-rBGH fat free milk, and 365 spring water to place in my overpriced aluminum eco-friendly water bottle. Oh, and we can't forget the fair trade almond body wash.... am I really serious? Yeah, I am.

Isn't the mere fact that I travel outside of my neighborhood (which happens to be in walking distance to other grocery stores) to purchase these items perpetuating health related population disparities?

Why not save some funds, purchase "regular" food and advocate for those people who don't even have a grocery store to shop in?

Honestly, I felt kind of bad walking out of WF the other day- I fell victim to green capitalism!

So the work begins, Whole Foods is all about the community anyway right? I say we start a letter writing campaign- Whole Foods available and accessible to all!

Just a thought. Your thoughts & comments well appreciated!

Peace