How would we experience Jackson County Residents at a Healthy Weight?

According to professionals and community members during the CHIP process, if this were true then we would see families who are fed healthy, fresh foods regularly with better/more access to grocery stores. We would also see more family and community gardens, education for growing food and food choices. We would experience seeing produce stands at various locations and times, flexible availability, volunteers manning school gardens, using community buildings to can/preserve foods. We would hear community involvement, family communication about growing food. We would feel/hear/experience people being outdoors more and physically active. 

What information led to the selection of this health issue and related result?

Healthy eating and physical activity originally emerged as health priorities during the 2011 Community Health Assessment. While much community effort has occurred to combat these issues, there is still much to be done. Jackson County has continued to have high numbers of residents who are practicing unhealthy eating habits (very low fruit, vegetable and water consumption, etc) and living sedentary lifestyles. In addition, overweight/obesity rates are climbing. During the 2021 Community Health Assessment prioritization process, many community members voted for the following identified health issues:

• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Nutrition

Obesity prevention is important to our community because it greatly effects our community members lives by leading to chronic disease and the overall burden it places on your lifestyle.  We envision a Jackson County where community members are able to feel their very best.