Camille P. Schuster, Ph.D.

Baltimore Goes By-The-Book Dealing With Food Deserts

August 13, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Food deserts, most public health officials agree, are a major problem when it comes to tackling some of the most pressing issues of the day. But, the fact that many of these deserts are located in poorer neighborhoods means that grocers are not rushing in. What do you think of Baltimore's virtual supermarket approach to dealing with the food desert issue?      [more...]

The location of the libraries and/or potential recreation areas makes a big difference in terms of usage, convenience, and distribution costs. If the libraries are not within an easy walk carrying heavy bags of groceries, then there will need to be more smaller orders which drives distributions costs up. Restricting the ordering process to computers may be limiting as well. Phone calls may be more practical for ordering. The idea is great. The kinks need to be worked out to make it practical and useful.