Better Food in Latino Neighborhoods

BETTER FOOD IN LATINO NEIGHBORHOODS THE BAD Latino-majority schools had an average of five mobile food vendors-mostly paleteros (ice cream pushcart vendors)–within a quarter mile, one study found. Many Latino families do not have access to healthy affordable foods. paletas Latino neighborhoods have more corner stores (like bodegas) and fast-food restaurants.. .but one-third as many supermarkets, and fewer farmers' markets, than non-Latino neighborhoods. As the number of supermarkets increased in Latino neighborhoods, teens'body weight outcomes improved. THE GOOD Increasing the number of farmers'markets in Latino communities boosted local produce sales. Policy initiatives may improve the food environment and economy in Latino areas: Healthy food financing initiatives can include tax credits, zoning incentives, funding, or equipment to spur supermarkets and farmers' markets to locate in underserved areas. Government financing initiatives can help bodegas expand healthy offerings. Food subsidies can expand Latinos' demand and buying power for healthy foods. CONCLUSION Introducing supermarkets or farmers' markets, expanding healthy offerings in places like bodegas, and lowering the cost of healthy foods in Latino BODEGA communities increases families' NEW HEALTHY ITEMS access to healthy affordable foods. These efforts help support a healthier diet among Latino kids. Go to www.salud-america.org to find out more on Latino childhood obesity. $. SUGARY DRINKS BETTER FOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHIER SCHOOL SNACKS HEALTHIER MARKETING ACTIVE PLAY ACTIVE SPACES Sources for the information included in this infographic can be found in Salud America! Research Reviews, available at www.salud-america.org. Salud America! is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by the Institute for Health Promotion Research at The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH UT HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER Robert Wood Johnson Foundation SAN ANTONIO %24