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Episode Overview:

In today’s episode, we dive deep into a critical yet often overlooked issue: food deserts and food insecurity. While many conversations around health focus on what to eat and how to maintain a balanced lifestyle, the reality is that not everyone has access to nutritious food.

We’ll explore:
 ✅ What food deserts and food insecurity mean
 ✅ The impact on health and communities
 ✅ Why this issue affects everyone, not just those directly experiencing it
✅ Steps we can take to help build a healthier, more connected community

Key Topics Discussed:

🛒 What is a Food Desert?

• Areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food
• The presence of fast food and convenience stores over grocery stores
• Higher rates of health issues in these communities

🍎 What is Food Insecurity?

• When food is available but inaccessible due to financial, physical, or other barriers
• The link between food insecurity and poverty, disability, and mental health

🌎 Why Should You Care?

• Food insecurity affects healthcare costs, poverty levels, and overall community well-being
• Strong communities create healthier, longer-living individuals (check out Blue Zones for real-life examples!)

💡 How You Can Help:

• Support local food banks and community food programs
• Start or contribute to a community garden
• Share excess produce (lemons, oranges, etc.) with those in need
• Buy healthy groceries for a neighbor in need
• Encourage nutritional education in your community

🛠 Resources & Action Steps:
🔍 Check out the Food Access Research Atlas (linked in the show notes) to see how food deserts impact your area.
📺 Watch documentaries on Blue Zones to understand the power of community in health and longevity.
🥦 Consider donating fresh, nutritious food instead of just canned goods.

💬 Final Thoughts:
We’re all in this together. Whether you’re in need or in a position to help, building a healthier community benefits us all. Love your neighbor, take action, and let’s make a difference—one meal at a time.

Subscribe & Stay Connected
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✅ Rate & review if you found this episode valuable!

🎧 Tune in now and be part of the change!

References:

Water quality in your area. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/search-results.php?zip5=92054&searchtype=zip

USDA (2016, Jul 22). Understanding the USDA Organic Label. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/07/22/understanding-usda-organic-label#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20distinct%20labeling,ingredients%2C%20and%20specific%20organic%20ingredients.

AMS (2013). Substances for Organic Crop + Livestock Production. Agriculture Marketing Services.  https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Allowed-Prohibi

Thank you for listening to Healthy California.

If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.

My contact:

Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition

916-426-2543

linda@heal-throughfood.com

www.heal-throughfood.com