Food Access Update - mecknc.gov

Food Access Update

Gibbie Harris, Health Director Meck County Public Health

Michael Boger, Business Manager Office of Economic Development

January 2020

What is Food Security?

A household's ability to access nutritious foods, which contributes

to an active and healthy life through physical, social, and

economic means.



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Ranges of Food Security and Insecurity

Food Secure

Households have no problems accessing food for an active, healthy life for all members

Marginal Food Security

Anxiety over accessing food but quality, variety, and intake not reduced

Low Food Security

Reduced quality and variety of diet. Little or no reduced food intake

Very Low Food Security

Food intake of one or more household member reduced and eating patterns disrupted due to lack of money and

resources

% of Households that are Food Secure

(Food Secure & Marginal Food Secure)

88.9% Nation

86.1% N.C.

85.1% Mecklenburg

% of Households Experiencing Food Insecurity

(Low & Very Low Food Security)

11.1% Nation

13.9% N.C.

14.9% Mecklenburg



Source: 1. Adopted from the United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, located online at:

, 2018 320

2. (local data, 2018)



Source: Unlocking the Potential of Charlotte's Food System and Farmers Markets, Karen Karp & Partners, July 2018

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What is a Food Desert?

"Low-income census tract where a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store."

-- USDA

? Food deserts lead to poor diets, which can contribute to obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and heart disease

? Low-income individuals more likely to be exposed to advertising for unhealthy food products

? Even when access to food is improved, healthy foods tend to cost more



Current Efforts



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