Would more people choose healthy foods over junk food if they were cheaper and more readily available?

     I believe that more people would be motivated to eat healthier if healthy food was more convenient to access and was equal to or less than the cost of junk food offered at places such as McDonald's. Based on a report from U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson of Florida, many low income families will choose the lowest cost food option, regardless of what that may be. She reported that some families will even resort to eating dog food when their supply of food stamps runs out.

     The Food Research and Action Center reports that low-income families are at much higher risk for obesity. This is due to several reasons, including,"Low-income neighborhoods frequently lack full-service grocery stores and farmers’ markets where residents can buy a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products" and "When available, healthy food is often more expensive, whereas refined grains, added sugars, and fats are generally inexpensive and readily available in low-income communities." This information suggests that if healthy food costs were reduced, families would be more likely to purchase them and thus, reduce their risk for obesity.

Sources:
Rep. Frederica Wilson Claims Her Constituents Eat Dog Food when Food Stamps Run Out | The Tea Party News Network | TPNN.com. (n.d.). The Tea Party News Network | TPNN.com. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.tpnn.com/rep-frederica-wilson-claims-her-constituents-eat-dog-food-when-food-stamps-run-out/

Why Low-Income and Food Insecure People are Vulnerable to Overweight and Obesity «  Food Research & Action Center. (n.d.).  Food Research & Action Center. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/why-are-low-income-and-food-insecure-people-vulnerable-to-obesity/