A healthier future starts with food access

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Imagine having to take two buses just to buy a bag of apples – or skipping fresh food altogether because it’s simply too expensive. This is the daily reality for far too many families in our community.

At the American Heart Association of Tampa Bay, we are dedicated to addressing the root causes of poor health, particularly in underserved neighborhoods where opportunities for wellness are not equitably distributed. One of the most urgent challenges we face is the lack of access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food.

In many parts of our region, families are forced to choose between what is cheap and what is healthy – not by preference, but by circumstance. Full-service grocery stores are often miles away, and barriers such as transportation, cost and availability make healthy options feel out of reach. Right now, we have a critical opportunity to change that.

As a community leader and advocate, I believe we must break down these barriers to healthy living. One powerful step the City of St. Petersburg can take is expanding the Fresh Access Bucks program, which increases the purchasing power of SNAP users when they buy Florida-grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative not only makes healthy food more affordable, but it also supports local farmers and strengthens our local economy.

We are also urging the City of St. Petersburg to fund a Groceries on the Go mobile market in the Jordan Park neighborhood and extend grocery shopping hours at the Sunshine Senior Center. These aren’t just conveniences – they’re lifelines, providing affordable, heart-healthy food that can transform the well-being of thousands of residents.

Jordan Park is a historically Black neighborhood where more than 24,000 people live below the poverty line. Many residents rely on SNAP benefits yet still face a lack of nearby fresh produce. Seniors with mobility challenges and working families without reliable transportation are left with diets dominated by ultra-processed, nutrient-poor foods – fueling a cycle of chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

These initiatives will benefit everyone – especially children, seniors, and communities of color who have been systemically underserved. The long-term impact of better food access is clear: stronger hearts, fewer preventable hospital visits, and healthier, more vibrant communities.

The American Heart Association has long championed policy change that addresses the social drivers of health. I am proud to be part of this work because it is time to invest in solutions that create health where it starts – in our homes, neighborhoods, and daily choices. Food access is both a health issue and a justice issue. It is one we have the power to address now.

Our city has the chance to lead with compassion, innovation and vision by supporting this initiative. Together, we can ensure that every St. Petersburg resident – regardless of their zip code -has the opportunity to eat well, live well and thrive.

Madison Potter is the American Heart Association Tampa Bay’s Marketing Communications Director. Community Impact VP Courtney Burt contributed to this story.