Healthy Food Access

Many of the nation’s leading chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer have strong links to how we eat.

It is undeniable that nutrition is an essential component to maintaining good health.

Unfortunately, a “grocery gap” is felt by many Minnesotans, which can be a significant obstacle to healthy eating. Low accessibility, availability and affordability of healthy food often mean that Minnesotans who live in low-income communities and remote areas are far more likely than other people to experience these challenges. A lack of full-service grocery stores and a high prevalence of convenience foods in many communities suggest that the age-old food adage should actually be: “we are where we eat.”

THE BENEFITS OF ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
Education

Healthy meals and snacks in schools support students’ ability to learn by increasing attendance, concentration, and school connectedness, as well as reducing absenteeism and disruptive behavior.

Early Childcare

Obese children as young as three can already show indications for developing heart disease in adulthood. Developing healthy dietary patterns and food preferences during the first few years of life will establish healthy eating habits, and also support their optimal growth and development.

Equity

Groups that experience the greatest disparities in health outcomes also experience the greatest inequities in social and environmental conditions concerning access to healthy foods. Bridging this gap can reduce the health disparities in these communities.

Economic Value

Access to healthy food in the workplace plays a pivotal role in improving performance, while maintaining health and wellness of all employees. From corporate offices to construction sites, healthful eating in the workplace boosts productivity and decreases health care costs across the organization.

RESOURCES
  •  

    Steps for Action

    1. ADVOCATE
    The Minnesota Food Charter provides strategies to increase access to affordable, healthy food for all. Become a Food Charter Champion to connect with fellow advocates and to access helpful resources.
    2. SHARE
    Promote and celebrate farmers’ markets, nutritious school meals, healthy workplace food offerings, and assistance for low-income communities.
    3. LEARN
    Food is cultural, and there is no one right way to eat healthfully. Educate yourself and others on the many different food traditions of Minnesota’s ethnic communities.