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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Changing WIC Changes What Children Eat

January 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Changes in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Healthy Lifestyle Initiative saw improved health for young children participating in the New York State (NYS) WIC program: breastfeeding mothers and mothers waiting to feed infants solid foods increased; screen time and overall overweight and obesity decreased among children in NYS under four years of age.

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.

Perceptions of the Food Marketing Environment Among African American Teen Girls and Adults

February 1, 2012 | Journal Article

African-American adolescents, particularly girls, are disproportionately affected by obesity. The food marketing environment has been shown to be an influencing environmental factor in youth obesity, yet little is understood about how African Americ ...

Monitoring Foods and Nutrients Sold and Consumed in the United States

January 1, 2012 | Journal Article

As food production and consumption change, researchers look to datasets to provide information on food in America.

Seattle-Area Affordable Housing Community Planting Gardens, Building Sidewalks

November 22, 2011 | Story

Winning Strategies in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity.

El Paso Group Teaches Kids to Eat Healthier

September 7, 2011 | Story

Winning Strategies in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity.

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.

Relationship of Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Adiposity

July 14, 2010 | Journal Article

Studies are inconclusive whether increased fruit and vegetable consumption alone can reduce obesity.

Mobile Food Vending and the After-School Food Environment

January 1, 2010 | Journal Article

This study observed the after-school food environment in an urban area in order to study the range of vendors encountered near schools and the items sold in the after-school period.

Snacking in Children

November 1, 2009 | Journal Article

The easy availability of low-nutrition snacks may contribute to childhood obesity in minority and low-income communities.