Fresh Produce Scarce In These Queens 'Food Swamps,' Study Finds

QUEENS, NY -- If there's one thing New Yorkers can't get enough of, it's food.

As home to some of the country's most diverse dishes - and, okay, Instagram-worthy desserts - New York City prides itself on being a melting pot of never-ending cuisine choices. But not all of its neighborhoods have access to that famed plethora of food options, namely the healthy ones.

They're called "food swamps" - or areas where fast food joints and corner stores greatly outnumber outlets serving fresh, healthy food - and several of them are right here in Queens, according to a report released by Public Health Solutions on Thursday.

The study found food swamps on the rise in Jamaica, Jackson Heights and Corona, where the grub options are ample but healthy food is limited, said Lisa David, president and CEO of the citywide public health nonprofit.

While food outlets were the most prevalent type of site in each neighborhood, there was only one supermarkets carrying fresh produce for every five fast food restaurants, according to the study. Corner stores outnumbered the markets 6 to 1.

"When we think about the avenues for achieving health and wellness, we don't often take into consideration the health disparities that are built into the geographic areas in which we live," Davis said. "We take for granted that healthy food options - even those as basic as supermarkets - are available and accessible."

The study evaluated more than 3,600 sites across Jamaica, Jackson Heights and Corona to learn more about what kind of health-related services were available in the Queens communities and what more could be done to support residents.

Aside from food swamps, researchers also found high numbers of vacant lots in all three neighborhoods. Such sites could transformed into community gardens and used to grow more fresh produce in the neighborhood, the report said.

The report also suggested PHS collaborate with corner stores and other food vendors in the neighborhoods to increase their fresh produce offerings.

“Laying the ground work for thriving and healthy communities across New York City requires a multi-pronged approach," said Sabrina Baronberg, senior director of the nonprofit's food and nutritional programs.

"First, identifying and bringing awareness to local issues, and second, working with communities to develop impactful solutions.”

Lead photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images.