In the pursuit of sustainable living, the food sector stands out as a critical area requiring transformation. Recent studies highlight that food production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting calls for dietary changes. The Lancet planetary health diet, introduced in 2019, advocates for a shift towards more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains while reducing meat and dairy consumption. However, this ideal faces challenges in areas like Baltimore, where many residents live in food deserts and rely on dollar stores for groceries. A journalist's week-long experiment revealed the difficulties in adhering to such a diet within these constraints.

A Week on the Lancet Planetary Health Diet at Dollar Stores

In the heart of Baltimore, a city where one in four people reside in food deserts, a reporter embarked on an ambitious journey. For seven days, they attempted to follow the Lancet planetary health diet exclusively by shopping at dollar stores. These stores, known for their affordability and rapid growth, offer limited options for fresh produce and healthy staples. The reporter quickly realized that finding nutritious, climate-friendly foods was an uphill battle.

The first day began with a cart filled with beans, tortillas, pre-cooked rice, oatmeal, and peanut butter. Vegetables were scarce, leading to reliance on canned options. Impulsively grabbing a can of chips during checkout underscored the challenge of resisting less healthy choices. Meals became monotonous and unappetizing, with issues like broken kitchen tools adding to the frustration. By day two, the lack of variety in fruits and vegetables became evident, forcing the reporter to rethink their approach.

On the third night, unable to resist fresh produce any longer, the reporter visited a Dollar Tree location offering some fruits and vegetables. Despite driving further and generating additional carbon emissions, they found only a few viable options. The quality was poor, and prices were higher than expected. The following days saw a mix of adherence and deviation from the diet, culminating in a weekend dinner at a local oyster bar, which, surprisingly, aligned somewhat with the diet’s guidelines.

The final days highlighted another issue: food waste. Some purchased items spoiled quickly, contributing to the very problem the Lancet diet aims to address. The experiment concluded with a renewed appreciation for access to diverse and affordable food options.

From this experience, it is clear that dollar stores alone cannot support sustainable diets. While efforts are being made to improve the availability of fresh, healthy foods, broader systemic changes are necessary. Policymakers must prioritize expanding access to plant-based foods, ensuring they are affordable, convenient, and culturally relevant. Only then can we create a food environment that fosters both personal and planetary health.

Reflections and Insights

This experiment underscores the complex interplay between individual choices and systemic barriers. It highlights the need for targeted policies that address food deserts and promote healthier eating habits. While dollar stores play a role, they cannot bear the burden alone. The broader food system must evolve to ensure everyone has access to nutritious, sustainable meals. As consumers, we should not take our ability to choose diverse, healthy foods for granted. This awareness can drive us to advocate for changes that benefit both our well-being and the planet.