Why Is This Important?
In order for residents to realize complete food security, all dimensions of the food system must be addressed. This includes the land, water systems, farmers, manufacturers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers, and the generated waste.
Improvements to the food system can be influenced by new policies and the strength of the county’s investment in advancing equity.
There is a relationship between the inability to access or afford foods that support healthy living and negative health outcomes. Unhealthy eating leads to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Distance to grocery stores and lack of transportation are barriers to accessing healthy food options. The cost of travel time to find healthier options in addition to out-of-pocket expenses may be too high. As a result, low-income residents tend to rely on foods that are cheap and convenient to access but are often low in nutrients.
There are numerous economic benefits to strengthening the local food economy. Supporting local farms and food businesses can boost employment and therefore income and the local tax base.
Strategies and Leads
Strategies | Leads |
Develop/revise policies and practices that address issues within the local food system such as agricultural use and food insecurity. |
Food Equity Coalition (Vibrant Local & Urban Farms, Empowered & Healthy Communities) |
Pursue grants and other funding opportunities that will support vibrant farms and the distribution of locally sourced foods. |
Food Equity Coalition (Thriving Local Economy, Vibrant Local & Urban Farms) |
Build a strong county food economy through the creation of local food system jobs and the expansion of the capacity of the local food supply chain. |
Food Equity Coalition (Empowered & Healthy Communities, Thriving Local Economy) |
Promote the use of land to contribute to a healthy and sustainable food system (i.e., grocery stores, smaller markets, community gardens, and urban farms). |
Food Equity Coalition (Thriving Local Economy, Empowered & Healthy Communities, Vibrant Local & Urban Farms) |
Improve food security and public health through improved access to nutritious, local, and affordable food and hunger relief programming in food desert communities. |
Food Equity Coalition (Empowered & Healthy Communities) |
Promote opportunities to protect and regenerate the county’s soil water and land. |
Food Equity Coalition (Vibrant Local & Urban Farms) |
Support the development of a closed-loop food ecosystem through composting. |
Food Equity Coalition (Vibrant Local & Urban Farms) |
Partners
Why Is This Important?
Being physically active is one of the most important actions that people of all ages can take to improve their health and help prevent disease, disability, injury, and premature death. For individuals who have chronic diseases, physical activity can help manage the disease and its complications.
In the United States, about 1 in 2 adults live with a chronic disease with half of this group suffering from two or more conditions. Unfortunately, only half of adults get the amount of physical activity they need to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease.
It is estimated that $117 billion in annual healthcare costs are associated with inadequate physical activity. Physical inactivity also has a negative impact on workforce productivity in the way of an increase in absenteeism.
Strategies and Leads
Strategies | Leads |
Engage community partners to develop shared-use plans by identifying existing resources, plans, and policies that can be leveraged to support the development of these plans and increase physical activity in neighborhoods with low access. | PHDMC (Chronic Disease Prevention), Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Community Development Departments |
Partners
Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County (PHDMC)
Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC)
Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.