My name is Nora and I am going to write about how local businesses affect the community.  There is a high rate of obesity  in our community and small businesses that go around selling unhealthy foods are not helping to reduce this epidemic.

For example, some of these people are the ice cream men.  It’s a good way to make money because kids want to buy sugary treats.  They sell fast and people earn money quickly.  Everyone needs to make a living but there are alternatives to selling these items.  Instead of selling  foods that could lead to health problems later in life, why not replace sodas, chicharones (Mexican chips), chocolate cookies, and ice cream with fresh juice, chopped fruit, oatmeal cookies, frozen fruit bars or other foods that contain many fruits or vegetables and are low in sugar.  Check out this website to learn how New York City is promoting street vendors to sell fresh fruits and  vegetables: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cdp/cdp_pan_green_carts.html

There are many other healthy foods to sell besides candy and baked goods.  How often do you see street vendors selling unhealthy food around your city?  Do you think that this is a problem that is affecting your city or your school? If you want information about eating right and being healthy visit our website gethealthysmc.org or yspacesmc.org.