What is public health? Students in the UGA Health & Wellness class are here to help you find out! They have strategically identified examples in the Athens community that they feel represent public health in action. This blog is dedicated to explaining, understanding, and discussing what their interpretations of public health, as well as their reactions to learning about topics of health and wellness.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Kroger Expansion


The picture above is from the new Kroger exapansion at Kroger on Alps Road, in Athens GA. It is an example of public health because the availablity of food is a public health issue, and since Kroger has expanded the amount of food products has increased.  It also increases the amount of produce options available for everyone, providing healthier and more nutritious options. However, though this is a benefit to Athens in general, Kroger is also a big corporation. The fact that they are expanding and will gain more revenue from this expansion could also be seen as a negative to public health because more money will be going towards big companies as opposed to smaller, local businesses. We chose this example because it relates to us personally, as we are students who live off campus and need cheap and healthy choices for meals. It is important that others recognize this as an example of public health because food nutrition is a huge component in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Others should take advantage of the increase in produce from Kroger and increase their quality of life.

Erin Deitrich
Michelle DeMasi
Blayne McDonald 

2 comments:

  1. I think that this a wonderful example of public health because it is not one that jumps out at you, but it is an issue that is very important. The much needed expansion of the Kroger on Alps will provide more nutritious options for those of us who use this Kroger as our primary grocery store. A big issue that we face here is Athens is that many areas of Athens are food deserts. A food desert is a district in an urban setting with little or no access to large grocery stores that offer fresh and affordable foods needed to maintain a healthy diet. Instead of such stores,these districts often contain many fast food restaurants and convenience stores. The addition of more healthy options to this Kroger which is very centrally located for many people living in Athens may help to cut down on some of the food desert issues that we are currently facing here in Athens.

    Megan Maziar
    Stephanie Perlman
    Mara Stein

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  2. I think this is a wonderful example of public health. I shop mainly at Kroger for foods, beverages and home goods. Not only is it close and convenient to my house, but it is also cheaper than other grocery stores, such as The Fresh Market or Publix. As we all know, being on a budget plays a large role in the lives of college students! Although there is an Athens farmer's market, which I have been to several times before, the expansion of Kroger will allow a larger range of easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables for students and the surrounding community. Many students may not know about the farmer's market and rely solely on Kroger's produce for their daily diet. To be honest, there have been times where I have gone into Kroger hoping to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables and have not been pleased, Since the expansion has been completed and the shelves have been stocked, I have not had this problem. I have been able to experience a larger variety of fresh produce and hopefully the rest of the community will be able to as well.

    Susan Knighten
    Abby Musselwhite
    Alli Hogan

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