event spotlight
Community approaches to healthier eating
A recent forum brought together people working to reduce obesity in their communities to learn from each other, make connections, and take action.
Although diet and exercise are key aspects of the likelihood of obesity, there are many environmental factors outside of a persons’ control that limit access to healthy food. Communities and organizations can be an integral part of the health of their community members. At a recent forum sponsored by Wilder Foundation with InCommons, the focus was on increasing access to healthy foods.
Facts and strategies
Amy Leite and Melanie Ferris, researchers from Wilder Research, provided some background facts on the causes and circumstances of obesity, and presented promising strategies and examples to increase availability, affordability and access to healthier food.
Leite also looked at connections between obesity and food insecurity, which is defined as instances where the ability to acquire healthy food is limited. She cited a landmark 1995 study, Does hunger cause obesity? It was the first to link obesity with issues related to food insecurity. Additional research has identified a potential link between households who experience food insecurity and rates of obesity, especially among women. Still, Leite cautioned, the links between them remain unclear, as they are complex issues influenced by multiple factors.
Ferris pointed out some strategies address both concerns. including:
- Increasing the availability of healthier foods by establishing new farmer’s markets, improving produce selection at convenience stores/markets, and increasing the number of grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods
- Realigning bus routes or providing other transportation to ensure residents can easily access grocery stores with large produce sections
- Modifying policies and zoning regulations to support the development of community garden
Take action
The forum showcased three projects underway that are having an impact. It also included an interactive discussion in which participants responded to the questions, What strategy would have the greatest impact in your community? and, What ways can we work together to reduce barriers to healthy eating?
The discussion led to creative problem-solving and idea sharing. Find some of the discussion highlights and add yours at InCommons!
ideas that work
(Click on the words YouTube to view videos larger)
How do you get kids in child care centers to eat healthy food?
You introduce Lana the Iguana
Pat Stieg, Dakota County Public Health tells why the county implemented this program and how they made it a success.
How do you get students to eat local, organic produce?
You ask them to create an edible schoolyard/outdoor classroom.
Kristen Stuenkel, Columbia Heights describes how this garden came to fruition, brings together groups of all ages, and inspires imagination.
How to you increase access to healthy food in your neighborhood?
You involve everyone in the process
Glen Hill, Minnesota Food Association and Valerie Geaither, Afro Eco explain how a grassroots movement identified community barriers to healthy eating, and how to remove them.
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