Bill Would Help Small U.P. Stores Sell Healthier Foods

See ABC 10’s Sarah Mac’s original story here: http://abc10up.com/town-halls-held-to-talk-healthy-food-access/

Many residents in the Upper Peninsula live in areas where there is limited access to healthy foods.

Advocates from the American Heart Association were in L’Anse Wednesday to talk about this issue.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in Michigan alone there are 2.1 million residents who lack healthy food access, a quarter of whom are children.

Campaign Manager for the American Heart Association Ted O’Dell says shat means these residents do not have a grocery store, farmer’s market, or food co–op in their neighborhood.

Studies show that this lack of proper nutrition, especially in children, could lead to obesity and forms of heart disease.

Which is why advocates from the American Heart Association are reaching out to communities across the state through town hall meetings to raise awareness and hopefully support for House Bill 5180.

This proposed piece of legislation would help businesses like corner stores and gas stations sell healthier foods to the residents who need it.

The American Heart Association says that other states like Pennsylvania and Louisiana have had success with similar campaigns, which brought healthier foods and jobs to its residents.