Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/390790
WHAT COUNTS FOOD DESERTS While an affl uent community might be- moan slow construction work on the new Whole Foods Market or complain about the limited Greek yogurt selection at Vons, at least it has more options than commu- nities faced with food deserts. Defi ned as areas void of nutritious food options often due to a lack of access by vehicle, food des- erts seem like they would be a problem for another country, not the land of plenty. In 2008, Los Angeles took a proactive step by limiting the number of fast food locations in low-income areas, but this does noth- ing to ensure the availability of nutritious foods, much less foods to meet specifi c di- etary needs. The result is troubling indeed for any consumer traveling beyond Ron- ald's golden arches for a meal of substance. –Tim Posada Sources: The US Department of Agri- culture's Economic Research Service; DoSomething.org; Food Empowerment Project; & Policy Link and Food Trust 2.4 Millions of deaths caused by heart disease each year in the U.S. 23.5 Millions of U.S. citizens who live more than one mile from a grocery and have no access to a car 13.5 Millions of low-income Americans who live in food deserts 30 Percent of convenience stores that provide fewer healthy options in low- income vs. middle-income ZIP codes 400 Percent more grocery stores in white neighborhoods vs. black and Latino ones 10 Number of miles a fi fth of rural county residents live from a grocery store in the U.S. 2017 The year First Lady Michelle Obama said she hoped to end food deserts by offering tax breaks to grocery stores opened in food deserts 42,941 Number of U.S. liquor stores that are considered "food retailers" M any pet parents choose organic products or take supplements to improve their health, but until recently, it was a challenge to fi nd the same quality for cats and dogs. Some hardy souls concoct homemade meals for their pets, but since humans now are buying more takeout and prepared foods for themselves, they're hardly likely to cook for Fluffy or Fido. Fortunately a variety of healthful products have emerged in the pet care market. There are many to choose from, but here are a few worth noting: Native Remedies offers homeopathic, non-addictive products made in the U.S. with ingredients listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (www.nativeremedies. com). Products assist the respiratory system, thyroid balance, stomach, bladder, and help skin and coat. The AmazaPet product is particularly effective at relieving wheezing and coughing symptoms, according to Redondo Beach pet owner Kim Brown, whose asthmatic cat's symptoms have responded well to the product. "I crush the tablets in our cat's food twice a day. We've managed to practically eliminate hacking, and so far avoid steroid use," she attests. "My cat has gone from having six or seven asthma incidents daily to one a month." H o m e o p a t h i c company Newton Complexes for Pets ( w w w. n e w t o n l a b s . net) offers U.S.- crafted products built on research conducted by Belgian- born homeopath Luc Chaltin who founded the American Academy of Clinical Homeopathy. Newton produces gluten-free, non-GMO, FDA- registered organic and wild-grown herbs and medicinals sourced from around the world. Remedies include products for bladder and kidney issues, digestive care, cough and asthma, ear issues and allergy care, among others. Canine Caviar and Feline Caviar (www.caninecaviar.com/) offer a diet specifi cally pH balanced. According to company spokesperson Dawn Barraco, other than packaged raw food, which is not available at all pet stores, "We are the only alkaline-based pet food. Studies prove cancer and other health issues cannot live in an alkaline environment. Our diet's formula offers a balanced pH that allows more oxygen to reach the pet, which assists in overall health." Canine and Feline Caviar are both U.S.-made products, with a focus on uniquely healthy, easy to digest proteins. "All our formulas are single protein and single carb," Barraco notes. "Holistic kibble, canned wet food, treats and supplements are all available for both cats and dogs, and designed to settle digestive upsets, reduce itching, scratching, shedding, and provide potent probiotic results." city of angels Healing herbs, medicinals and food By Genie Davis DESIGNER PRODUCTS FOR HEALTHIER PETS october/november 2014 11