The food desert problem v. Would this solution work? (Chicago: how much, neighborhoods)

[AmosBanks]

There were two stories today on NPR about the lack of access that many Chicago residents have to fresh meats and vegetables. One detailed the end-around that gas stations, dollar stores and liquor stores pull in order to accept food stamps. Federal food stamp program fails some low-income Chicagoans | WBEZ . The second story was about a longtime resident of a 3000-household community where the last grocery store moved seven years ago.

Most households need a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk every week. How about packaging those items along with beef, chicken, pork or fish and selling them out the back of a truck? Figure out all costs and price each box so that it yields $2 profit. Drive to the middle of the food desert, sell 600 per day and that's some money. Only accept food stamps so that there's no cash. Two people could pull this off and that's just one truck in one community.

I know I pretty much described Peapod's business plan. It would not take much to get started. Try a van full of boxes and then move to larger vehicles until it's determined how much can be sold in one day. Done and done.

Now here's the part where the City-Data naysayers explain why it won't work. Post away!

[tonythetuna]

How about people from these "food deserts" do it themselves. No wait, they can't do anything on their own. They sit and wait for everything to be done for them. I gladly welcome to be proven wrong of course.

Spread the word to these communities Amos and see if they can do it themselves.

Good luck.

[MannheimMadman]

I imagine the hilarity that ensues as a truck full of food (manned by only two people) rolls up in Englewood. How long would it take to get robbed?

And you presume that people want to eat those basic staples. I think there is a reason there are jj fish stores abound.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

I imagine the hilarity that ensues as a truck full of food (manned by only two people) rolls up in Englewood. How long would it take to get robbed?

And you presume that people want to eat those basic staples. I think there is a reason there are jj fish stores abound.

Both people would have to be armed and also have a third person to guard the truck itself.

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

How about people from these "food deserts" do it themselves. No wait, they can't do anything on their own. They sit and wait for everything to be done for them. I gladly welcome to be proven wrong of course.

Spread the word to these communities Amos and see if they can do it themselves.

Good luck.

You do know that everyone from these communities aren't on welfare right? Seems to be what your getting at. Not to make excuses for a class of people but the playing field aint equal for everyone--black, white, yellow, brown some people just need a helping hand.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by noid_1985

You do know that everyone from these communities aren't on welfare right? Seems to be what your getting at. Not to make excuses for a class of people but the playing field aint equal for everyone--black, white, yellow, brown some people just need a helping hand.

Don't turn this into a racial debate thread. I said nothing about race.

Heck, the playing field is not even amongst people of the same color.

So your point is what?

There have been more than a few non-profits and companies like Peapod that have lent a hand.

When and where do you draw the line?

This is the age of information. If people can't figure things out by doing research,networking,etc. on the computer, they are doomed.

[Savoir Faire]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

How about people from these "food deserts" do it themselves. No wait, they can't do anything on their own. They sit and wait for everything to be done for them. I gladly welcome to be proven wrong of course.

Spread the word to these communities Amos and see if they can do it themselves.

Good luck.

Just proven wrong.

The North Lawndale Greening Committee Annual Garden Tour: Tour Chicago's West Side Gardens on the North Lawndale Greening Committee Annual garden Tour - Chicago Garden

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by Savoir Faire

Just proven wrong.

The North Lawndale Greening Committee Annual Garden Tour: Tour Chicago's West Side Gardens on the North Lawndale Greening Committee Annual garden Tour - Chicago Garden

I know about these places.

I was asking to be proven wrong that the communities themselves can't do what Amos proposed.

So, communities come on and prove me wrong. DIY.

In a year or two there should no longer be any whining about "food deserts."

[grapico]

The solution is to curb the gang violence. If the violence was down people, including dominicks, jewel, whoever would open up in their neighborhoods. There are too many robberies, and the food truck would probably also get robbed. Even if they close the liquor stores down for catering to food stamps. There is nothing stopping people from selling their cards for cash. I have shopped in "sketch" hoods on many occasions and on many occasions there are people there out with their card willing to sell it for cash. It also addressed being able to shop at farmers markets for fresh food for food stamps. Do the poorest of the poor, REALLY need to be shopping farmers markets? Do you think they actually know the difference between an organic carrot from wisconsin and sustainably grown apple cider? Wouldn't the money for the programs be better spent on conventional produce instead of farmers markets? Farmers markets certainly aren't cheap, they are more expensive than even whole foods.
Look I work with these kids and meet parents from the "hood", the problem isn't getting them food, the problem is the violence. Any of these elaborate ideas about getting them fresh food is just beating around the giant elephant in the room. Where are all these liberal do gooders protesting in the street when somebody get shot? Nah they'd rather sit in their office downtown scheming up ideas and plug it on NPR.

[almost3am]

Originally Posted by AmosBanks

Most households need a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk every week. How about packaging those items along with beef, chicken, pork or fish and selling them out the back of a truck? Figure out all costs and price each box so that it yields $2 profit. Drive to the middle of the food desert, sell 600 per day and that's some money. Only accept food stamps so that there's no cash. Two people could pull this off and that's just one truck in one community.

Interesting idea...I have not lived in any of the areas you are discussing, but I have a cousin that grew up in one. One issue he told me about is that many households in the poorer areas are not interested in preparing their own foods, therefore raw meat and vegies end up being a waste.