In an area with high childhood obesity rates and limited access to fresh produce, which strategy would likely be most effective in decreasing obesity rates?

Increasing fresh fruit and vegetable options at convenience stores is a highly effective strategy for decreasing obesity rates in areas with limited access to fresh produce. This approach directly addresses the issue of accessibility, which is a significant barrier for many families trying to incorporate healthier food choices into their diets. By providing fresh produce in convenient locations, more families can easily obtain healthier options without needing to travel long distances to grocery stores that stock such items.

When fresh fruits and vegetables are made readily available in local convenience stores, it can lead to increased consumption of these healthy foods. This is particularly important in neighborhoods where access to larger grocery stores is limited, and residents may not have reliable transportation or the time to make longer trips. Accessibility plays a critical role in dietary choices, and improving local food environments supports healthier eating habits among the community.

The other strategies, while valuable, do not address the immediate access issue. Educating children and parents on the importance of fruits and vegetables or teaching them how to prepare these foods is beneficial, but it may not be sufficient if families do not have easy access to the fresh produce in the first place. Without the foundational step of making fresh produce available, education and cooking skills alone may not lead to significant changes in obesity rates. Therefore, increasing options at