Summer is approaching in North Carolina: it’s getting hot and keeping food fresh is a challenge, especially when grocery stores are few and far between. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that there are approximately 349 food deserts across the state of North Carolina. Residents in these areas have little to no access to fresh, healthy foods and live 1 mile or more away from a supermarket.
In the past, health advocates have pushed for federal grants to address the food desert crisis. Recently, however, these advocates have switched gears to focus on funds for refrigeration equipment. After being rewarded with refrigerators and display shelves, small scale food stores have the ability to stock fresh food and distribute it to the local residents.
Refrigeration is a modern luxury we often take for granted. But for these small grocery stores, the ability to sell fresh produce makes all the difference. Carolina Country Fresh is one of the first food stores to receive a donated refrigerator as a result of the food desert initiative. The store promotes health and sustainability, and boasts about locally grown asparagus, greens, spring onion, and broccoli on its website.
Two out of every three adults in the state are obese, and the food desert crisis in North Carolina prevents many of these people from pursuing a healthy lifestyle. While monetary grants can get a business up and running, health advocates are looking towards sustainability to solve the greater problem.
