The 6 Mile Fight: From A Food Desert To A Food Paradise
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The 6 Mile Fight: From A Food Desert To A Food Paradise

Almost 12,000 steps towards quality food.

129
The 6 Mile Fight: From A Food Desert To A Food Paradise
@SylviaStahlPhoto

6 miles.

It's the length of 88 football fields and almost half of a half marathon. It's 31,680 feet; 10,560 yards. Yet, in the city of Dayton, Ohio, 6 miles is the difference between fresh produce and a food desert.

A food desert is an urban location found within a city that lacks access to affordable, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other quality food needed for a healthy diet. This lack of access forces the citizen's living within these communities to consume unhealthy, overly processed food. By the chain of events, this action in turn leads to a continuation of unhealthy lifestyles that impacts almost every aspect of daily life.

Specifically, in Dayton, Ohio, this lack of access is current and ongoing. This geographical issue is one that we can't escape - just like the people living within that 6-mile radius.

According to the Dayton Daily News, this 6-mile radius is one that highlights not only the lack of fresh food and availability but the impact of privilege.

The 6-mile difference found between the Westside Super Market and the Dorothy Lane Market highlights the impact of food availability. Additionally, according to the Dayton Daily News, not only is this distance influential on the diet of the citizens, but also their annual income.

Those who live within this divide, live within an unequal distribution of quality goods that impact their health and wellbeing.

While this issue might not be a prevalent one to those who have access to organic, quality grown, fresh food - it should. 6 miles might be a simple, short distance for those with access to transportation, but just remember: the next time you're hungry for quality ingredients for your favorite meal, try to reflect and walk in another humans shoes - specifically, for 6 miles.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86182
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52094
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments