Your Nutritionist Might Like Broadband, Too

An oft-invoked pun in broadband policy circles is the exhortation to support a fiber-rich diet. But data indicate that actual dietary benefits may arise out of strong broadband connections. Several inquiries have explored the role of internet connectivity in resolving the adverse impacts of “food deserts,” namely, areas in which there is low availability of healthy foods. The underlying theory is that internet connectivity may enable users to identify retail sources of healthful foods more easily or to even order those foods online. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service reports that approximately 2.3 million people live in low-income, rural areas that are more than 10 miles from a supermarket. But the potential efficacy of online food purchases for rural areas remains unknown.  A potential challenge for rural areas may be identifying participating retailers who can support online ordering, especially for perishable foods.