Developing Financing for More Supermarkets in Underserved Communities
Dates of Project: August 2006 through mid-April 2013
Description: The Food Trust, based in Philadelphia, supported campaigns in 10 states to stimulate the growth of supermarkets in low-income, underserved areas. The states were Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. The goal was to make healthy foods available and affordable.
To direct its work in these states, The Food Trust developed detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) maps that combined information such as supermarket locations, obesity rates, diet-related deaths, and income levels. “The maps were a tremendous educational tool,” said Brian Lang, the project director. “We used them to educate key stakeholders.”
The Food Trust also held two conferences to assess the economic and public health impact of supermarkets and to explore in-store marketing strategies to encourage healthier eating.
Key Results
The Food Trust
- Opened a wider dialogue among public health agencies, the supermarket industry; and children's advocacy organizations—and government and civic leaders.
- Supported advocacy campaigns in 10 states; policy victories including establishment of the Illinois Fresh Food Fund.
- Produced a resource toolkit, The Healthy Food Financing Handbook: From Advocacy to Implementation.
Recommended
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Related
- Closing the Grocery Gap in Underserved Communities in New Jersey March 19, 2014
- To Improve Health and Health Care, Volume XV October 1, 2013
- Do All Americans Have Equal Access to Healthy Foods? December 11, 2012
- Neighborhood Environments January 1, 2009
- Expanding New Jersey's Supermarkets February 1, 2012
- About this grant
#FoodTrust increases access to supermarkets in low-income communities to build a #cultureofhealth