Analysis of and working meeting on community programs that promote access to healthy food and safe, active environments

There is a growing body of research indicating that neighborhood environments influence both eating and activity patterns. The environments in low-income neighborhoods pose particular challenges to eating well and being active, and this may account for higher rates of chronic disease among people of color and low-income individuals. Efforts to improve neighborhood environments in ways that promote access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity have grown during the past 15 years, primarily through community activism. Because neighborhood interventions typically take place on a project-by-project basis, there has not been much opportunity to synthesize the lessons learned across communities or to move toward successful implementation on a larger scale. This grant provides support to the Prevention Institute for convening community advocates, policy makers, and foundations to identify and assess strategies for improving access to healthy foods and safe places for physical activity in low-income neighborhoods. Based on systematic reviews of existing programs, convening participants will recommend investment priorities for neighborhood change and identify key partners and policy levers needed for sustainable changes. There are many neighborhood- and community-level projects addressing healthy eating and active living environments, but very little is known about the full range of activities and their potential impact. This conference will focus on the most promising approaches and will develop a report for use in guiding investments and developing projects in low-income neighborhoods.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $75,000.00

Awarded on: 6/22/2005

Time frame: 7/15/2005 - 7/31/2006

Grant Number: 52903