The growing obesity epidemic is a frightening reality in the United States. According to a recent Emory University study, an estimated 103 million Americans will be obese by 2018. But combating one of America's biggest health issues with weight management tips may not be enough to curtail the problem.

The USDA reports that 23.5 million people live in low-income areas - or "food deserts" - that are more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store. In these under-served communities, fresh produce is hard to come by. Instead, there is often easy access to fast food restaurants and more affordable, pre-packaged, higher-calorie foods. And entering these markets as a grocer presents many roadblocks, financial and otherwise.

Jeff Brown, president and CEO of Brown's Super Stores, Inc., which operates 10 Philadelphia-area supermarkets under the ShopRite banner, was recently recognized by President Obama for his commitment to improving the availability and quality of fresh food by establishing new or renovated grocery stores in under-served areas. His non-profit organization, UpLift Solutions, Inc., works with government agencies, non-profits and businesses to create job opportunities and address issues specific to "at-risk" communities - like limited food access, substandard education, inadequate safety and unequal opportunities. Launching the organization was not without its challenges, however.