The Doctor Weighs In

In some communities, like Hunter's Point in San Francisco, it is easier to get cigarettes and liquor than it is to get a crunchy apple or a juicy pear.  A study, conducted by Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ), a Bayview-Hunter's Point nonprofit,  looked at food availability in Hunter's Point and nearby Bayview, found that fruits and vegetables accounted for less than five percent of what was sold in those neighborhoods.  People who live Bayview-Hunter's Point had to leave their neighborhoods, often travelling for miles on public transportation, in order to buy healthy foods for their families. 

But that is going to change, according to a story in today's San Francisco Chronicle, thanks to Robert Pinkard, a jovial fellow who has owned Surfside Liquors, a community gathering place, for 32 years.  Encouraged and helped by LEJ, he is going to sell fresh produce in his liquor store.  And, he has been named a Community Hero because of his committment to improving the health of his customers. 

There is a personal story here.  Robert Pinkard used to weigh 499 pounds and wore a size 62 suit.  Then, he joined a food addiction group and started eating fresh produce.  He shed 100 pounds.  Although family events are still oriented around food to mark special occasions, Pinkard knows he has to be careful.  He says, "I don't eat garbage no more because I really have to watch it."

Now, he is going to help his customers as well.  As he was quoted in the Chronicle, "I don't want my customers to die...the longer they're around, the better business is."

Congratulations, Robert Pinkard.  You are doing well by doing good. 

This blog was originally published on the PEERtrainer website (www.peertrainer.com) on May 8, 2006.