But things are about to change thanks to a statewide push to bring major supermarkets to underserved cities and rural villages. A local chain plans to open a market in Waller's neighborhood next year. Not only will it bring jobs, but local officials hope it will eventually lead to better health for local residents.
Research shows higher rates of diet-related illnesses in communities with a dearth of supermarkets. A 2002 survey of health and economic data by a Philadelphia-based advocacy group, The Food Trust, found that people living in lower-income neighborhoods had disproportionately high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obesity, malnutrition, and diabetes also are more common in low-income children than their affluent counterparts, the report said.
Other studies have found similar scenarios from Washington to Los Angeles. Factors including access to healthcare also play a big role, but the food connection is clear, said Hanna Burton of The Food Trust, which works to improve access to fresher, higher quality food.
''The demand is so substantial and not just for supermarkets, but smaller grocery stores like corner stores," she said. Being able to buy better food raises the chances that residents will improve their nutrition.
People living in areas without supermarkets eat more fast food and junk food from convenience stores, studies have shown.
In Philadelphia, the problem is acute: The Food Trust reported in 2002 that although the city's poverty rate is similar to those in other large cities, it had the second-lowest number of supermarkets per capita nationwide.
Boston was at the bottom of the list at the time of the survey, but an aggressive effort has since brought about two dozen new or expanded supermarkets to that city.
In Baltimore, the number of supermarkets has fallen and the number of diet-related ailments has risen over the past 15 years. In response, the Baltimore Healthy Stores initiative will bring better food to two of the city's poorest neighborhoods.
