The "Story Behind the Curve" helps us understand why the data on obesity is the way that it is in our community. When we understand the root causes of our community problems, we have a better chance of finding the right solutions, together.

What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Personal gardens, community gardens, farmer's markets, and local farms offer access to fresh, locally-grown produce. Fresh produce and perishable items are available at several food pantries and at Mobile Markets suppported by the Hunger Coalition in partnership with local community groups and MANNA. The "Double Up Food Bucks" program for EBT recipients is offered at Transylvania Farmer's Market and Jarretts IGA.
• Healthy options for dining out are available at some local restaurants and grocery stores. Blue Zones project has been working to improve and promote healthy options. 
• Cooking classes and demonstrations provided by Blue Zones, Hunger Coalition, Cooperative Extension, Sharing House, and other community partners.
• Diabetes Prevention Programs have been offered by Transylvania Regional Hospital and Transylvania Public Health. Worksite wellness programs are available at Transylvania County and the City of Brevard, as well as a few private employers.
• The county has mutliple outdoor recreational opportunities including access to state and national forests, multi-use paths, bike trails, and hiking trails. Work is underway to expand Brevard's multi-use path, build more accessible trails in the expanded Bracken Preserve, and develop the Ecusta Trail between Brevard to Henderson County.
• Recreational programs that promote physical activity are available for preschoolers through senior adults, such as sports camps, rec leagues, Senior Games, Special Olympics, SMART kids, and classes at Transylvania County Parks and Recreation, Silvermont and Quebec Senior Centers, and Transylvania County Library. Social groups include hiking clubs and "moai" or community walking groups. The county is home to several gyms, as well as yoga and dance studios. Fitness centers offer discounted rates to certain groups (including Silver Sneakers and county employees). School athletics are affordable for most families. Community events centered around physical activity (5K runs, bike races) are held regularly.
• Although the county gets plenty of rain, the climate is mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities for most of the year.

What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.

• Barriers to healthy food consumption include time, money, energy levels, knowledge, and familiarity. Highly-processed foods are often cheaper and more convenient than healthier options, especially when away from home. Busy schedules, physically-demanding jobs, and long commutes leave limited time and energy for food shopping, preparation, and cooking. Some people have never learned how to prepare and cook healthier options. Limited exposure to a variety of vegetables and fruits. Food preferences shaped by heavy exposures to salt, sugar, and fat.
• Community norms around food and drinks, such as sweetened drinks, serving large portions, and special occasions centered around food, along with food or candy-based rewards.
• Barriers to physical activity include time, money, energy levels, infrastructure, and culture. Some physical activities, such as gym memberships, classes, or sports teams can be expensive. Busy schedules, physically-demanding jobs, and long commutes leave limited time and energy for leisure-time physical activity. Sidewalks are limited to downtown areas in Brevard and Rosman. Most children travel to school by car or bus, rather than walking or riding bikes. Infrastructure (lack of sidewalks, busy roads) is a barrier to active transportation for about half of the county's schools.
• Social, economic, and environmental factors that increase risk of poor health outcomes, such as poverty, unemployment and underemployment, homelessness and housing concerns (including cost and substandard conditions), and transportation. Lived experiences such as violence, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).