In many West Baltimore communities, the availability of food is relatively straightforward, yet obtaining a proper meal proves to be a significant challenge. "They can't access fresh produce. They're relying on canned goods and corner stores," Fannie Hughes shared.

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For over a decade, 12 West Baltimore communities have been transformed into food deserts, and residents have been grappling with the difficulty of finding healthy food. A decade ago, the local Stop, Shop, and Save on Monroe Street closed its doors, leaving numerous low-income residents without easy access to nutritious food. "With no cars and limited incomes, it's unimaginable that you'd choose not to bring a food market back here," Marvin "Doc" Cheatham expressed.

Impact on Low-Income Residents

Many low-income residents in these communities face a daily struggle to obtain healthy food. Without a nearby supermarket, they are forced to rely on limited options such as corner stores that often offer processed and high-salt foods. This lack of access to fresh produce and healthy alternatives can have a detrimental impact on their overall health. Studies have shown that a diet rich in salt and processed foods can lead to various health issues, including increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease. As Cheatham pointed out, "What happens is you keep consuming salt and drinking liquor, and your life expectancy decreases. We urgently need a solution to this problem."

Call for Elected Officials' Assistance

Community leaders have been advocating for elected officials to step in and help locate a replacement supermarket. After a decade of waiting, however, the community still remains a desert. "There are no elected officials, whether at the federal, city, or state level, who live in a food desert. They fail to understand the hardships faced by those living in such an environment," Cheatham emphasized. Neighbors have taken matters into their own hands by signing petitions, and the leaders of 12 West Baltimore communities are endorsing a lawsuit against the mayor and city council. This shows their determination to bring about a change and ensure that their basic need for healthy food is met.

Long-Term Consequences

The absence of a convenient source of healthy food has far-reaching consequences. Not only does it affect the physical health of residents, but it also has an impact on their quality of life. Without easy access to fresh food, families may find it more difficult to prepare nutritious meals for their children, which can lead to educational and developmental issues. In addition, the lack of a supermarket can also have a negative economic impact on the community. Local businesses that rely on the supermarket for their supplies may suffer, and the overall economic vitality of the area may decline. It is clear that addressing the food desert issue is not only a matter of health but also an economic and social imperative.