Government

Why Banning Fast Food in South L.A. Hasn't Helped Reduce Obesity

There are many forces that promote healthier eating, but a zoning regulation against fast-food restaurants has not turned out to be one.

Maurice Thrower, co-owner of Simply Delicious Burgers, which is sandwiched between two fast-food chain restaurants, said he offers healthier fare such as vegetarian and turkey burgers in L.A.'s Leimert Park neighborhood.AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Laura Bliss

March 20, 2015 at 6:03 PM UTC

Heralded as a landmark success in the "war on obesity," the ban on new fast-food restaurants in South Los Angeles was meant to reshape culinary offerings in the obesity-plagued region.

“People do not understand what happens in a disenfranchised community,” Jan Perry, the councilwoman behind the ban, told The New York Times in 2008, when it went into effect. “The fact remains, there are not a lot of food choices in South L.A.”