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Research shows that 11.5 million people in the United States live in low-income neighborhoods located more than a mile away from a grocery store. These food deserts become a problem when people don’t have access to transportation, meaning that people often end up eating fast food or shopping at a corner convenience store—neither of which offer nutritious options.
It’s no secret that fresh fruits and veggies are an important part of a healthy diet, especially for growing children. Bringing healthy food into these communities via grocery delivery trucks is a great way to meet people where they are.
Is your business looking to be more philanthropic or expand its reach? Consider investing in a delivery truck to make a direct impact on the health of your city. Let’s take a look at why delivering fresh veggies is so important to areas such as these.
Fresh Veggies Contain Vital Nutrients
Not only are vegetables low fat and low calorie, but they also contain vitamins that keep our bodies running smoothly. Eating fruits and vegetables regularly can reduce your risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Fiber and potassium are two nutrients that many people lack. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and lentils can provide these to your body. Vitamin A and C are also incredibly important as they build immunity and help you absorb all of the benefits from the veggies you’re eating.
Because many low-income individuals lack reliable access to health care, eating healthy is all the more important. And it’s difficult to eat healthy when you don’t have access to fresh foods in your own neighborhood.
Weekends in a Food Desert
Many school-aged children from low income households rely on lunch services to provide healthy food. This means that weekends can pose a struggle for working parents with few resources to provide nourishment to their children.
Enter, grocery delivery trucks! These are a great way to bring healthy food to neighborhoods at a low cost. Is your restaurant is looking to expand? Consider outfitting a truck to accommodate catering or fresh meal delivery to communities where there is a food shortage.
Setting a Standard
Eating fresh veggies at home, such as adding a side salad or eating a plant-based dinner, sets healthy habits for kids. Kids are more likely to grow up eating vegetables and living a healthy lifestyle when their parents have access to fresh, affordable groceries.
When delivering fresh veggies, providers can present education to help people understand what a balanced diet and healthy eating looks like. By utilizing signage or a custom graphic wrap, produce delivery trucks can help communicate the importance of a well-rounded diet.
Get Out There!
Use this tool to locate food deserts in your area and provide food service that includes fresh veggies and fruit.
Whether it’s a grocery store on wheels, a produce delivery truck, or a mobile food pantry to help these communities free of charge, check out your options for refrigerated vehicles. Contact us for a free quote to get started on your delivery journey.