In some neighborhoods of America, it's much easier to buy potato chips than a potato; simpler to snack on a candy bar than on carrot sticks. Even if a person wants to eat healthy food, there may be no supermarkets nearby, or fresh fruits and vegetables may be too expensive. Areas with limited access to healthy foods, but plenty of fast food restaurants and convenience stores, are so common in America that they have a name: "food deserts." In communities without supermarkets, many families buy their food from corner stores. These stores often only carry packaged food and do not offer much fresh fruit or vegetables.

Unhealthy eating habits have taken their toll on kids' health, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. Children who are obese are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. People who are obese are at higher risk for a variety of health problems including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and poor self-esteem.

A number of private and government agencies are working to eliminate food deserts and reverse the childhood obesity trend. A group in Philadelphia called Food Trust is partnering with business owners to increase fresh fruits and vegetables at corner stores, as well as kid-friendly fruit cups and other healthy snacks. Other groups are developing grant and loan programs to encourage supermarket development in underserved neighborhoods, and trying to remove soda, chips, and other fast foods from school vending machines and cafeterias.

Kids themselves can make healthy food decisions even when their choices are limited. The best foods are complex carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy, like milk and yogurt; and low-fat protein, like lean chicken or turkey. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and white flour, like candy, sugary drinks, and pastries. These foods can cause your blood sugar to spike, triggering a hunger attack when it falls. If you look around, there are usually a few good snacks at every corner store, such as apples, bananas, raisins, yogurt, milk, and nuts.

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