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According to a local news article, by this summer local convenient stores and large chain stores who sell food in the city of Minneapolis must offer healthier fresh food options.
Most corner stores throughout the nation offer junk foods, that are usually high in sodium, added sugars and low in nutritious benefit- an unhealthy food environment for Latinos- who are currently reported to have the highest rates of obesity in the city (31.7% of Latino Adults Obese) and the overall nation.
This new law is the first of it’s kind in the nation, hoping to help combat diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related health risks by offering more convenient access and healthier foods throughout the city’s corner stores and convenience stores. The law asks businesses to stock protein items, milk, juice, whole-grain bread and fresh produce options in order to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or WIC dollars.
Many of the city’s stores have already met compliance for the new law as the ordinance was passed back in 2008 and updated in 2014.
However, the Dollar General stores have not complied with the ordinance and have posted signs in four of their chain stores within the city notifying consumers they no longer can accept food stamps.
City officials are still working on implementing and enforcing the ordinance with all local corner and convenience stores, projecting an 80 to 85 compliance rate by the end of the summer.
Reports on how the new law has impacted consumers choices will later be reported this fall from researchers at the University of Minnesota.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
