Formulating the right solutions and appropriate interventions in promoting the consumption of healthy foods, particularly among disadvantaged groups, is a tough job. It requires hard work, determination, and an understanding of the complexities of the poverty situation. Here are some ways we can improve.

Increase awareness. Improving communication channels from relevant support agencies in the grassroots level must be enhanced. The agencies may conduct information dissemination campaigns to increase people’s knowledge on the importance of eating healthy food for their well-being. Using education as an intervention approach, experts will also be able to improve the negative perceptions of consumers on the affordability of nutritious food.

Improve access. Expanding access to farm products is a win-win solution for both the consumers and the producers. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture, is aimed to provide poor households more purchasing power. Authorities should advocate for the expansion of SNAP in more areas.

Moving the markets to the people. With regards to geographical barriers, these can be addressed by establishing distribution channels such as farmers’ markets and food hubs that are accessible to a larger number of consumers, especially the underprivileged sectors who live in far-flung areas. Another win-win solution is to create linkages between farms and institutions such as schools and hospitals. This method ideally shortens the food route and lowers the costs to the buyers/consumers while increasing producers’ profits by eliminating middlemen or distributors.

Read the full article about making healthy food affordable and accessible by Borderless Charity at Medium.