BEST PRACTICES MEMBERSHIP AGENDAS & MINUTES CURRENT PROJECTS MATERIALS & RESOURCES

Currently, the HEAL Collaborative is addressing the issue of inadequate access to healthy food and physical activity experienced by Food Stamp Recipients in low-income neighborhoods.

In 2003 and again in 2005, HEAL collaborative members assessed the food environment by conducting a survey in the seven lowest-income census tracts in the six most populous cities in Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Stanislaus counties. Findings, based on the survey analysis, revealed a series of barriers to accessing healthy foods in these communities including a limited number of stores offering healthy food options and a high frequency of cheap, fast food establishments. This study and the recommended actions needed to improve the environment are in the issues paper titled:

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS: The challenges and implications For Food Stamp Eligible recipients in low-income neighborhoods Issue Brief PDF

Advocating for and promoting policy changes that support nutrition, physical activity, and access to healthy foods at schools, workplaces, events, and throughout the community.

Members of the HEAL collaborative have attended City Council and General Planning meetings in Sacramento to educate members on the lack of access to healthy food and physical activity in low-income neighborhoods, the health status of people in these census tracts, the economic impact of this problem, and ideas on how to incorporate guidelines and policies that will increase access to healthy foods and physical activity.

Please check back for information on new projects the HEAL Collaborative is involved in.