Eating a diet that does not have enough healthy vegetables and fruits causes a lot of health problems.  And, while unhealthy foods are often cheap to buy, they can be expensive to our health over the long run.

Why do Americans eat so many processed foods?

• Government subsidies are given to farmers to grow corn and soybeans on a large scale instead of growing many different kinds of vegetables as they used to. As the United States produces a very large amount of corn, it is inexpensive to use as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in processed foods like bread, soda, cereal, crackers, yogurt, and many other foods and beverages.
• The American lifestyle has changed a lot since World War II. More women (who often have done most of the cooking for families) work outside the home and people in general have less time and want the convenience of processed foods, even though they are generally not very good for us.
• Also, many of us cannot afford quality, healthy food any more, or it is not sold in our neighborhoods. Because of this, we rely on cheap, processed products since they are what we can afford and find.

The Cost to You

By comparing the prices of 370 foods sold at supermarkets in and around Seattle, Washington, University of Washington researchers found that junk food costs A LOT less than fruits and vegetables. High-calorie munchies cost an average of $1.76 per 1,000 calories while low-calorie, but nutritious foods like many fruits and vegetables cost a whopping $18.16 per 1,000 calories.

What You Can Do

1)      Make your vote count. Let your elected officials know that you want healthy food in your community.

Click on the links to contact your Harlem Council Member and federal representatives: Senator Charles Schumer (D- NY), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY) and Representative Charles B. Rangel (D - 15).

2)      Let your wallet do the talking. Buy healthier food options that you can afford-maybe you can't totally change the way you shop or what you eat, but start small. Gradually make small healthy changes to your diet that are more affordable like frozen veggies and vegetables and fruits in season. Even more, vegetables and fruits that are in season actually taste better!  One way to reach this goal is by using farmers' markets during the spring, summer, and fall. The markets accept food stamps and WIC. Also, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provide "Health Bucks," which are worth $2.00 each and can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

3)      Organize. There are several groups in Harlem that are fighting to bring more supermarkets back into the community or stop them from closing. Contact James Subudhi at WE ACT for Environmental Justice (West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc.), or Harlem community activist, Emma Jackson at EJCK1010@aol.com and others who are working to fight for food justice in Harlem, such as more and better supermarkets and healthy school food programs.

You can also check out Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's work with Foodprint and Harlem4, an organization interested in food issues. Get involved!

4)      Realize that in fighting against Harlem's lack of access to fresh, healthy affordable food you will also be fighting against obesity which is the number one cause of death in America­-and an even bigger problem here in Harlem!