The Pursuit of “GOOD FOOD”
What is good food? Within the context, the group creates two arguments, healthy food which is defined as any natural foods believed to promote or sustain good health (or foods containing essential nutrients that are grown without the use of pesticides and has a low-sodium or fat content), good tasting food defined as
any savory food with a pleasant and fairly strong flavor (or food that is appetizing).
Both arguments are justifiable needless to say the paradigm within our food distribution system often times denies people in lower income communities the access to healthy high quality foods.
For decades, low-income communities have struggled with the lack of access to healthy, affordable food as many lack full-service grocery stores or farmer’s markets where residents have access to high-quality fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. Even with the recent rise of gentrification in many low-income neighborhoods, the quality of accessible healthy food has only merely improved. Many low-income neighborhoods remain stricken by unhealthy fast-food chains that serve high-cholesterol, nutrient–poor, foods at relatively low prices and with frequent consumption may lead to weight gain, lack of essential nutrients consumption, high cholesterol among many others.
When accessible, healthy food tends to be more expensive in terms of fiscal cost while foods containing added sugars and fats are generally inexpensive and more readily available in low-income communities. Even when healthy food is available, fresh produce including fruits vegetables, dairy and meat, it is often of the poorest quality.
In the pursuit of good food one must be willing to go the distance, whether it means traveling to neighborhoods outside of your own or shopping online to cut cost, all efforts are regarded in matters of sustaining a healthier life. Most importantly you must be willing to pay more for quality food, “good food”.
HERE ARE MY TOP 5 PLACES TO SHOP FOR “GOOD FOOD” & A FOOD KEY:
1- BUDGET FRIENDLY
2- LARGE VARIETY
3- HIGH QUALITY
4- CONVIENIENT
WHOLE FOODS MARKET- (2,3)
Although the most expensive on the list Whole Foods Market has some of the finest natural and organic foods available as it maintains one of the strictest quality standards in the industry. It’s wide variety of organic produce, large selection of locally grown food and products in addition to sustainable agriculture makes Whole Foods a lead contender of places to shop for “good food”.
TRADER JOE’S- (1,2,4)
Trader Joe’s is the most widely used place to shop for healthy food, as it is arguably the most affordable in terms of monetary cost. Trader Joe’s does an excellent job at providing great food at great prices. It offers a variety of products including gourmet foods, organic foods, vegetarian foods, frozen foods, imported wine and beer among many others, 80% of which bear one of its own brand names.
THRIVE MARKET-(1,2,3)
Although solely available online, Thrive Market has qualities of both whole foods and trader joe’s. Thrive Market is the first socially conscious online store offering the world’s best-selling natural and organic products at wholesale prices. Carrying over 2,500 of the highest quality food, supplements, home, personal care, and beauty products from over 400 of the best brands on the market at 25-50% off regular retail prices, Thrive Market is definitely one of best places to shop for “good food” at super affordable prices.
Visit Thrivemarket.com/KeepupwithBritt and try Thrive Market for FREE!
FARMER’S MARKET- (1,2,3,4)
The Farmer’s Market is the best place to get sustainable, locally – grown, organic produce. In addition to providing high quality natural and organic produce, shopping at your local farmer’s market helps. Support community agriculture and local business.
Check out grownyc.org to find local farmer’s market locations in NYC.
In search of any additional organic food markets in your neighborhood? Check out ‘The Ultimate List of Organic Stores” for yummy + nutritious food from PositiveHealthWellness.com.
https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/
Read more at Keepingupwithbritt.com
-Brittney Grant of Keepingupwithbritt.com