This weeks post is actually based on a presentation I recently created for a class at Benedictine University in Lisle on Sustainability and Stewardship. The following are excerpts from the power point along with some additional notes.
For class we had to create either the power point or a video that featured the food and health resources available in the neighborhood. This weeks class was actually based on the migrate farm workers who labor in the field especially in California to bring us the food we take for granted and what should be done in a stewardship manner relating to the issues they face. The presentation did not call for a mention of that subject which was addressed in another submitted paper.
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Most residents of the United States have easy access to food and health care. We take it for granted that a short walk or car drive will take us to a grocery store, restaurant or medical facility.
Many people especially those in rural areas or urban areas with poverty issue it is much harder to access the basics of life necessities such as food, health and transportation. Author Tracie McMillian in her book "American Way of Eating" talks at length on these issues. That subject will be a good future post.
I investigated what was available to myself living in Naperville, IL. The research was very non scientific but showed how the three basis of life are readily available.
Naperville IL is a city of 140,000 residents and many business around 30 miles west of Chicago.
Food Sources
Naperville has plenty of grocery stores including big box retailers, major grocery chains, local chains, specificity chains and convenience stores. Examples:
Jewel, Target, Cermak, Whole Foods, Aldi, Patel Bros, 7-11 as well as seasonal farmers markets.
All are in a short drive for most residents and offer a whole array of food and non food items. The prices and level of services vary but everyone is free to choice what meets their requirements.
The same can be said for restaurants which are in abundances especially along Rt 59 and in downtown Naperville. There are too many to name but a few of the more popular offerings are:
Chipotle Mexican Grille, Subway Sandwich, Portillos Italian, Maggianos Italian, Starbucks Coffee, Pitaville, Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, China Station, Miller Ale House, Hot Cakes Indian bakery, Indian House, Lou Malnati's pizza, Burger King. That is many different types of food and ethnicity as well as price points .
Medical Sources
When it comes time to filling those prescriptions there is also no shortage of places including CVS, Walgreens, CVS at Target, Osco (in Jewel), family owned Oswaldo and DuPage Medical Group.
Transportation Sources
Of course to be able to access all these amenities some form of transportation option is a must. The majority of travel in the area is done by automobile and Naperville has 13000 miles of roads with many through ways, easy access to three expressway (I88, I 355 and I80). There is public transportation but it is not very convenient. Pace bus service tends to run on a limited schedule and links up popular places but not often close to the people it needs to service. Metra has two stations in Naperville but it not very helpful for getting around town just to other suburbs or into Chicago where it is very popular for people that work elsewhere. There are bike trails but mostly in the forest preserves although the city has mapped out bike routes on safer city streets with a few painted bike lanes or signage.
Conclusion
The residents of the City of Naperville are not short on their choice for grocery stores, restaurants, medical options and transportation. Unlike some urban areas and rural locations there is not "food desert" due to grocery stores within miles of each other. The choice of restaurants covers a vast spectrum in variety and pricing. Where it might lack is non motorized transportation and even public transportation. A car is really essential to get around although it is possible to walk and bike in certain parts of the city. Medical services are in abundance with three hospitals and plenty of doctors and pharmacies
Information Sources
•Tracie McMillian, American
Way of Eating (2012),
book
•(images
via Google free art clip source, except City of Naperville, https://www.naperville.il.us/)
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