Reading and comprehension
Many of the serious health concerns in modern America can be linked to poor diet. People
who regularly consume foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats not only
increase their chances of obesity, but also increase their risks of developing heart
disease, hypertension, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Although some people
who regularly consume unhealthy foods do so knowingly, there is also a significant
portion of the population that remains undereducated about proper nutrition. What
is more, individuals who live in food deserts—areas in low-income neighborhoods that lack
easy access to healthy, affordable food—may not even have the opportunity to obtain
nutritious food. Although there have been some recent government efforts to reduce the
number of food deserts, more community-based efforts should be encouraged and
supported.
Food deserts are located in high-poverty areas, such as sparsely populated rural areas
or densely populated, low-income urban centers. Food deserts most often develop when
major supermarket chains either relocate out of these areas or simply refrain from
building stores there in the first place. Major food retailer chains tend to limit their store
locations to wealthier urban or suburban neighborhoods. This means that those who live
in high-poverty areas often also live miles away from the fresh meats, dairy products, and
produce available at supermarkets. Residents of these areas who do not have cars are
thus forced to travel long distances on public transportation to do their grocery shopping,
or else they are limited to the food available at local convenience stores and gas stations.
These types of food retailers often only sell packaged, processed foods that offer little
nutritional value.
Questions:
What is the main reason for serious health problems?
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What are the results of consuming high sodium, sugar, and saturated fats foods on health?
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Do all people know about healthy diets and healthy foods?
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Can all people have an easy access to healthy food?
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Why is healthy food expensive?
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What are food deserts?
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Reading and comprehension
What food do convenience stores and gas stations sell?
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Why do gas stations and convenience stores sell that kind of food?
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What do you think people can do to improve their diets?
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Do you usually have healthy food? Describe your diet.
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