Bizdom U 2009: Andrew Hwang

The mission: To help create equity in access to healthy, fresh, and sustainably-grown food in our most vulnerable urban communities.

Dr. Oran B. Hesterman is the President and CEO of the Fair Food Foundation, a non-profit organization aiming to bring fresh food to urban communities. Originally located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Fair Food Foundation is looking to open an office in Detroit. Dr. Hesterman thinks that Detroit is a key city for their mission.

In my opinion, “access to healthy food” is important, but I would question if there is really a lack of “equity” to healthy food in urban communities. I agree that there is less access to healthy food in Detroit, but do not think that creates an inequality because there is such a minimal demand for healthy food. Some make the argument that Detroit is not a healthy city because it does not have access to healthy options- others say that “wealth equals health,” meaning that people with wealth care more about their health.

Studies show that the average urban family spends approximately ten more dollars a week on food than the average suburban household. With this being said, there is obviously a choice being made by urban families when it comes to food consumption- the choice to eat unhealthy. I don’t think that there is a large market for healthy food in Detroit, rather I think maybe small organic grocery store will suffice.