This is a really difficult issue and affects many Americans who live in areas that are virtual food deserts when it comes to fresh produce and healthful options. There has been progress in some states where legislators have restructured tax policies to make it more profitable for large grocers to provide fresh fruits and vegetables in more urban areas. Of course, this doesn't help in areas where such legislation does not exist. Here are a few practical ideas that several communities are using:
• Work through the local farmers market association to develop a fruit and vegetable purchasing system where a large box of produce is dropped at one family's home each week and shared (as is the cost) by a number of families.
• Work with the local shop owners who do not offer fresh fruits and vegetables to "pre-purchase" fruits and vegetables so that the shop owner can be sure that produce brought in doesn't go bad sitting on the shelves.
• Develop community gardens that provide produce for community members.

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