Scheme aims to combat obesity in Philadelphia

To counter problem, low-income residents have been given vouchers redeemable for healthy food items.

Obesity in Philadelphia

One in three adults in Philadelphia is obese and one in ten suffers from diabetes.

Residents of the city, the fifth largest in the US, say it is difficult to find healthy food choices, especially in low-income neighbourhoods.

Experts refer to these areas as “food deserts”.

To combat the problem, federal, state and local governments are steering shoppers to places like Salah Atallah’s family grocery – where local residents can redeem vouchers for discounts on healthy food items.

Al Jazeera’s Tom Ackerman reports from Philadelphia.

Source: Al Jazeera