Study: Massachusetts needs more supermarkets

The problem is particularly acute in urban areas and rural parts of central and western Massachusetts.

File photo by Greg Saulmon / The RepublicanA corner store in Springfield's North End. Convenience stores and snack foods are abundant in the city -- but, there are about 30 percent fewer supermarkets per person than the national average

BOSTON (AP) — A new study says Massachusetts is suffering from a shortage of supermarkets that stock fresh, nutritious food.

The report scheduled for release Monday by the Massachusetts Public Health Association was conducted by public health advocacy group, the Food Trust.

The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts ranks third from the bottom among all states. The problem is particularly acute in urban areas and rural parts of central and western Massachusetts.

In Lowell and Fitchburg, the number of supermarkets would need to double to be in line with the national average. In Boston, Springfield, and Brockton, there are about 30 percent fewer supermarkets per person than the national average.

Representatives of state government, health advocates, and the supermarket industry are working on ways to attract more grocery stores to underserved areas.