Commentary

Maybe Brooklyn Could Use a Wal-Mart

As a former 718-er, this report caught my eye. It’s from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Mental Hygiene?) and it examines diet and nutrition options in two relatively poor Brooklyn neighborhoods. The report finds that bodegas are extremely common, much more common than supermarkets. Why does the Health Department care? Compared to supermarkets, bodegas have higher prices, a narrower range of products, and fewer healthy food choices (e.g. about 28% of bodegas carry apples, oranges, and bananas, compared to 91% of supermarkets). Related: Queens to WM: Stay Away