TITLE
Recommendation to respectfully request City Manager to develop a “Neighborhood Market Conversion” program, within 60 days, that provides incentives for local corner stores and liquor stores to provide healthier food options and improve the overall neighborhood experience. This program should include standards that hold the following:
· Offers incentives for small businesses to improve and enhance their interiors and exteriors.
· Encourages and provides healthier food and beverage options in communities.
· Limits alcohol and tobacco signage.
· Encourages signage to promote healthier foods and beverages.
· Promotes child and family-friendly environments.
· Encourages stores to decrease the availability or visibility of items such as alcohol, tobacco or junk foods.
DISCUSSION
Nationally and locally, society as a whole is getting heavier at an alarming rate. Since 1990, adult obesity rates in California have more than doubled. In the US, obesity rates have more than tripled among children ages 6-11 in the past 30 years.
In Long Beach, 22.4% of children are obese, and 68% of adults are classified as obese or overweight. Obesity is also a key risk factor for most chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Numerous and complex factors contribute to the growing rates of obesity. In addition to individual factors such as levels of education and income, studies have linked the obesity epidemic to several environmental factors, including: increasing exposure to fast food, lack of physical activity opportunities in schools and communities, and limited access to supermarkets, farmers’ markets and other venues that carry affordable fresh food and produce in low-income neighborhoods. Research shows that individuals living in areas with numerous fast food restaurants and convenience stores as compared to supermarkets and produce vendors have a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes. In Long Beach, there are 5.8 times as many fast fo...
Click here for full text