All people in North Carolina have equitable access to affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate foods.
Good nutrition is essential for mental and physical health. Limited access to healthy food has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and other preventable causes of disease and death. HNC 2030, p. 56
In North Carolina, 7% of people with low-income live more than one mile away from a grocery store in metropolitan areas or more than 10 miles away from a grocery store in rural areas (2015) making North Carolina ranked 26th among US states with limited access to healthy foods. More than 500,000 residents live in one of the 340+ “food deserts” or areas with limited access to healthy foods. Race and income level affect likelihood of living in a food desert and the grocery stores in those communities often have fewer options or higher prices for healthier foods compared to stores in wealthier areas. The current percent of the population with limited access to healthy food has remained steady at 7% for the last five years. The state goal is to reduce this to 5% within the next 10 years. HNC 2030 pp. 56-57
- Expand transit options in rural and lowincome communities
- Increase access to healthy foods in childcare, schools, churches, workplaces and other community-based settings
- Increase technological support for eWIC payments
- Increase technological support for SNAP EBT payments at food retailers
- Support nonprofit grocery stores working to meet the needs of residents of food deserts
- Support school-based meal programs
- Support tax-incentive programs designed to encourage grocery stores and farmers markets to move into food deserts
County Health Rankings and Roadmaps - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) *Should not compare ranked data from year to year
DHHS, in partnership with a diverse set of stakeholders, developed a standardized set of SDOH screening questions to address and acquire data on the following:
- Food insecurity
- Housing instability
- Lack of transportation
- Interpersonal violence
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/healthy-opportunities/screening-questions
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