Fears grow over ‘food swamps’ as drugstores outsell major grocers

Because grocery stores have low margins and are more at risk of shutting down in low-income areas, Rosas says, pharmacies drawing customers from other stores could contribute to even fewer options in the future. “CVS and other pharmacies make money selling highly processed, long shelf-life foods, because it is all convenient.” To get retailers to stock healthy food options – in areas where shoppers rely on pharmacies or in those where grocery stores rule – effective policies at both national and local levels could focus more on increasing health awareness.

Source: www.theguardian.com