Fort Worth, the fifth largest city in Texas and the 16th largest city in the United States, is home to a number of food deserts. These are areas that lack easy access to healthy and affordable food, including vegetables and fruits. To address this issue, the Fort Worth Planning and Zoning Department worked closely with the Tarrant County Food Policy Council and Blue Zones staff to research how other communities have addressed food deserts. In response to this need, members of the Tarrant County Food Policy Council and staff from the Fort Worth Department of Planning and Development began to discuss the most effective ways to address the city's food deserts.
This included encouraging urban agriculture, as well as exploring cuisine options that are more health-conscious. Photos courtesy of the city of Fort Worth, Texas and the Tarrant Area Food Bank learning garden at Ridglea Christian Church in Fort Worth were included in this report. Given Fort Worth's need to address food deserts throughout the city, the lack of fresh local produce and access to healthy food, the availability of land in the city proper, and the desire of city and community leaders to support healthy food policy initiatives, Tarrant County and Fort Worth decided to collaborate to address these issues. Both Fort Worth and Tarrant County were well aware of the need to address food deserts in their communities. So what types of cuisine have the most health-conscious menu items within cities of Tarrant County? Fortunately, there are a number of options available. For instance, Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil.
This type of cuisine is also low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Additionally, Mexican cuisine can be a great option for those looking for healthier menu items. Many Mexican dishes are made with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, beans, and avocados. These ingredients are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help promote overall health. Asian cuisine is also a great choice for those seeking out healthier menu items.
Dishes such as sushi are made with fresh fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, many Asian dishes are made with vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Finally, vegetarian dishes can be a great option for those looking for healthier menu items. Vegetarian dishes often include ingredients such as beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, and seeds that are packed with protein and fiber. In conclusion, there are a number of options available for those looking for healthier menu items within cities of Tarrant County.
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Mexican cuisine can be a great option for those looking for healthier menu items due to its use of fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, beans, and avocados. Asian cuisine is also a great choice for those looking for healthier menu items due to its use of fresh fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Finally, vegetarian dishes can be a great option for those looking for healthier menu items due to their use of ingredients such as beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, and seeds that are packed with protein and fiber.
