Geoffrey Zakarian argued at the Great American State Fair that effort and meal planning—not distance from stores—now do more to determine whether U.S. families eat healthily.
Instacart and other delivery tools have weakened the traditional idea of food deserts, he said, contending that online ordering has made fresh and canned food broadly reachable.
32% grocery inflation over five years still leaves affordability as a real hurdle, but Zakarian said convenience food often costs more than cooking at home.
Twice-weekly shopping and planning five meals at a time can make home cooking manageable for working families, he said, while also creating leftovers.
Cooking together also strengthens households, Zakarian said, because the kitchen becomes a social center that builds family pride and healthier habits.