Federal Government: Many Tulsans Live In 'Food Deserts'

NewsOn6.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new government web site shows more Americans have access to Twinkies than fresh broccoli.

The USDA's "Food Desert Locator" features a map of the United States that highlights areas where people live long distances from a large grocery store.  That makes it more difficult for them to make healthy choices when buying food.

The pink areas on the map show low-income communities who live more than a mile from a grocery store.

When we entered News On 6's address, 302 South Frankfort, the map showed that large areas of north Tulsa, downtown Tulsa and much of Sand Springs fit the description.

The website is being launched as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative to lower childhood obesity.