Healthy Affordable Food

RWJF Priority: Increase access to high-quality, affordable foods through new or improved grocery stores and healthier corner stores and bodegas

Research shows that having a supermarket or grocery store in a neighborhood increases residents’ fruit and vegetable consumption and is associated with lower body mass index (BMI) among adolescents. Yet, many families do not have access to healthy affordable foods in their neighborhoods. This is especially true in lower-income communities, where convenience stores and fast-food restaurants are widespread, but supermarkets and farmers’ markets are scarce.

Childhood Obesity Policy Priorities

Health policy snapshot

Do All Americans Have Equal Access to Healthy Foods?

Millions of Americans do not have access to healthy, affordable foods. Supermarkets provide the most reliable access to nutritious and affordable produce.

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From Bridging the Gap

Zoning for Healthy Food Access Varies by Community Income

Community zoning policies are more likely to allow fast-food restaurants and retail stores than supermarkets and grocery stores.

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From Healthy Eating Research

Changes to WIC Program Improve Access to Healthy Foods and Beverages Without Increasing Costs

Corner stores, convenience stores, and bodegas in two lower-income North Philadelphia neighborhoods began carrying healthier foods after the federal government made changes to a popular food aid program.

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From the Food Trust

Harnessing the Power of Supermarkets to Help Reverse Childhood Obesity

This report identifies “win-win-win” solutions for consumers, retailers and manufacturers.

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Winning strategies in the fight against childhood obesity

Pittsburgh-Area Supermarket a Showplace for Healthier Food Options

Thanks to a state grant and loan program, Safran Brothers Shop & Save is a gleaming, up-to-date store and a business that is adding jobs to this economically depressed area.

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From the Hudson Institute

Lower-Calorie Foods: It's Just Good Business

Restaurant chains that serve more lower-calorie foods and beverages have better business performance.

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3 p.m. to Bedtime: Crunch Time for Children and Obesity

Crunch Time: Challenges and Solutions

A poll reveals that many parents face a variety of barriers to helping their children lead healthy lives, especially during the "crunch time" from 3 p.m. to bedtime.

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More Research and Resources on Healthy Affordable Food

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Restaurant Executives Say Healthier Menu Items Make Sense Only When They Make for a Healthier Bottom Line

November 1, 2007 | Program Result Report

The Produce for Better Health Foundation conducted a study of how senior menu development and marketing executives at 28 leading U.S. restaurant chains decide whether to offer healthier foods on their menus.

Convergence Partnership

October 31, 2012 | Program Result Report

The Convergence Partnership is a collaborative of funders creating healthy people in healthy places through policy and environmental change. It focuses on policy advocacy, access to healthy foods, and the built environment.

A Faith-Led Effort to Combat Childhood Obesity in Oregon

September 9, 2011 | Program Result Report

Staff at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon built and engaged two coalitions of faith communities - in Portland and Corvallis - government agencies, advocacy groups and others to improve the health of congregations and their communities.

Faith & Food

August 4, 2011 | Program Result Report

The Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati, in partnership with three Avondale neighborhood churches, mobilized a faith-based coalition to advance policies to improve the availability of healthy, affordable foods.

A National Grassroots Campaign for Healthier Food

May 23, 2011 | Program Result Report

From 2009 to 2010, Active Voice, San Francisco, organized Ingredients for Change, a nationwide grassroots campaign designed to spur public awareness and advocacy around healthy food, food justice and childhood obesity.

The Hunger Action Network Brings Vegetables to Thousands of Plates

May 23, 2011 | Program Result Report

The Hunger Action Network increased access to healthy, affordable food among low-income residents in selected neighborhoods in New York City and Schenectady, N.Y.

Community Food Environments May be Contributing to Obesity

October 1, 2010 | Program Result Report

This project developed the Nutritional Environment Measures Surveys (NEMS), pilot tested the measures in four Atlanta neighborhoods and developed a training program on using the measures.

Community Organizing to Expand Access to Healthy Food and Safe Places to Play

October 1, 2009 | Program Result Report

A group of leaders in public health, healthcare, research, government, and community advocacy and programming launched the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children.

Teaming Up to Address Childhood Obesity in Rural Washington State

January 14, 2009 | Program Result Report

The Washington Health Foundation funded three projects in rural areas of Washington State that addressed childhood obesity by changing policy, the environment or individual behavior. RWJF provided a matching grant.

Healthy Eating by Design

January 1, 2009 | Program Result Report

Healthy Eating by Design increased access to healthy foods for children in low-income communities and schools from 2005 to 2007.