Food and transportation are two of the ten major social determinants of health described in the WHO's Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. Equitable and sustainable access to healthy food and public transportation options, which generally also involve walking or biking, will help improve the health of a community.
Utilization of these options also minimizes the impact of their negative counterparts. If someone consumes more healthy foods to satiate his hunger, it follows that he would therefore eat less unhealthy foods. Use of the Metro to come into DC involves the healthy activity walking or biking to get to one's final destination; it also helps minimize the amount of air pollution in the city and stress associated with traffic.
Natalie DeGraaf, a global health consultant and former program specialist at the American Society for Microbiology, noted a clear juncture between the two. During a recent discussion DeGraaf said, "Health food options should be located near public transportation. It's logical because access is key. When healthy food is more accessible (and reasonably priced), it is more likely to be consumed."
Utilization of these options also minimizes the impact of their negative counterparts. If someone consumes more healthy foods to satiate his hunger, it follows that he would therefore eat less unhealthy foods. Use of the Metro to come into DC involves the healthy activity walking or biking to get to one's final destination; it also helps minimize the amount of air pollution in the city and stress associated with traffic.
Natalie DeGraaf, a global health consultant and former program specialist at the American Society for Microbiology, noted a clear juncture between the two. During a recent discussion DeGraaf said, "Health food options should be located near public transportation. It's logical because access is key. When healthy food is more accessible (and reasonably priced), it is more likely to be consumed."
DeGraaf referenced incentives in New York City that have helped to ensure healthier foods are available and prominently placed in convenience stores, and to encourage development of grocery stores in lower income communities where health issues are more prevalent. Why wouldn't the District implement similar incentives? Or why not encourage the development of food stands outside of metro stations within the city? While transportation options in DC could arguably be considered equitable, or at least moving in the right direction, it seems opportunities abound for equitable access to healthy food. | "When healthy food is more accessible (and reasonably priced), it is more likely to be consumed." |