Obesity can have a serious impact on health. People who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk for many serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and overall poor health. The obesity rate in Franklin County has consistently been higher than the rate for the state of North Carolina. Below is a graph comparing the rates in Franklin County to the rates for North Carolina to show this trend. Since obesity is linked to other chronic health conditions, we believe that focusing on exercise, nutrition, and weight could play an important role in not only addressing obesity in Franklin County but the other chronic conditions that affect the Franklin County population.  

We identified some factors that may influence exercise, nutrition, and weight in Franklin County:  

Lack of places to exercise that are free/low cost 

• There are currently no community centers, like YMCAs or recreation centers, in Franklin County, other than a community pool that does require a paid membership. 

•  Franklin County only has 3 gyms/fitness facilities open to the public that also require a paid membership.  

Food Deserts  

• Per the US Department of Agriculture, a Food Desert is an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. Food Deserts were identified in following census tracts for Franklin County: 

Access to Parks  

• Franklin County does have three county parks located in Louisburg, Franklinton and Pilot, NC. They offer different amenities for county residents like fishing ponds, walking trails, baseball and softball fields, a quarter mile track, and a soccer field.  

Below are some key partners that play an important role in addressing exercise, weight, and nutrition in Franklin County: 

Franklin County Parks and Recreation - The mission of the Parks & Recreation Department is to promote quality of life by serving the community's needs for leisure, parks, information and referral, by providing quality and affordable recreational programs and services to all residents. Along with offering many recreational programs, they have three county parks and offer different amenities for county residents, like finishing ponds, kids playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, and a walking trail.   

NC Cooperative Extension – Franklin County Center – The Franklin County Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of residents in Franklin County. They are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. 

Franklin County Boys & Girls Club – The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, supportive environment and quality after-school programs that support what kids learn during the school day to increase their overall academic success. 

The Journey Ministry Pantry - The Journey Ministry Pantry is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of The Journey Ministry Pantry is to provide and serve healthy and nutritious food to those with food insecurities, so no one goes hungry. They also educate clients about nutrition and life skills in hopes it improves their lives and our communities as a whole and provide a welcoming environment filled with love and compassion. 

The Healthy NC 2030 report identifies levers for change to address access to healthy foods and exercise opportunities that reflect the developing efforts in Franklin County:  

• Support nonprofit grocery stores working to meet the needs of residents of food deserts 

• Increase access to healthy foods in childcare, schools, churches, workplaces and other community-based settings 

• Increase access to evidenced-based and informed interventions that support physical activity in childcare, schools, churches, workplaces and other community-based settings