Make the Bronx Healthy

What problem would you like to solve?

Food deserts and Childhood Obesity/Malnourishment

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

Too many people in the Bronx do not have access to nutritious food nor do they understand the health benefits of eating certain foods. Not to mention the right foods are more expensive that the foods that are killing them slowly.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

Have schools partner with meal prep companies (e.g. Hello Fresh, Yumble, etc..) and farms to make sure the food being served in schools is fresh and nutritious , can be a good start. Have cooking and nutrition programs in all schools and community centers, so kids and adults can learn the benefits of having a healthy diet; will open minds to alternative options to help them pre-emptively tackle health issues before they even start. Hosting more farmers markets in food desert areas, will help the communities make better choices, and help small farms have access to more markets (especially farmers of color). Create more incentives to get more grocery stores/ supermarkets in these impoverished neighborhoods, so people don't have to get on public transportation to get their food. Make it mandatory that all grocery stores/ supermarkets can't waste food, and should donate the food that reaches the "Best if Used By/Before/Sell By" to food pantries, schools, community centers and homeless shelters.

Who would that help?

Families in poverty.

What neighborhood would benefit from your idea?

All of NYC, but we can start with the Bronx.