How does access to healthy food affect health?

Good nutrition plays an important role in the optimal growth, development, health and well-being of individuals in all stages of life. Healthy eating can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer.

What is the relationship between food and health?

The relationship between food and health is complex. Everyone needs food to live, but too little food, too much food, or the wrong type of food has negative consequences for health. To increase understanding of this relationship, we describe trends and patterns in food-related diseases among both adults and children.

How do you access healthy foods?

Link local food hubs to organizations that sell or serve food in low-income communities….Connect people to healthier foods by:

Addressing transportation gaps in communities.
Supporting farm-to-institution programs.
Encouraging healthy food choices using behavioral design practices.

What is the effect of insufficient access to good and healthy food?

Lack of adequate healthy food can impair a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well in school and is linked to higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems from preschool through adolescence.”

What is the significant relationship of foods and nutrition?

Food and nutrition are the way that we get fuel, providing energy for our bodies. We need to replace nutrients in our bodies with a new supply every day. Water is an important component of nutrition. Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are all required.

Does everyone have access to healthy foods?

Many Americans lack regular access to healthy, affordable foods. Supermarkets provide the most reliable access to nutritious and affordable produce, and their presence is an important indicator of a community’s physical health and economic vitality.

How can I make my food more accessible?

Support the sale of local foods across the community by offering incentives and encouraging the establishment of farmers’ markets. Promote policies that support and protect community gardens. Pass food policies that require food and beverages purchased with government funds to meet certain nutrition standards.

How does access to foods support healthy eating patterns?

Additional research is needed to increase the evidence base for what can successfully impact the effects of access to foods that support healthy eating patterns and health outcomes. 8, 10 This additional evidence will facilitate public health efforts to address access to healthy food choices as a social determinant of health.

Mary Story ( [email protected] ) is a professor in community and family medicine and global health at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. The relationship between food and health is complex. Everyone needs food to live, but too little food, too much food, or the wrong type of food has negative consequences for health.

Why is there a lack of healthy food access?

HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS A lack of access to fresh, healthy foods can contribute to poor diets and higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases.

What’s the relationship between food and the environment?

Given the strong relationship between an individual’s food choice and his or her surrounding environment, we end with examples of policy responses that aim to help people overcome environmental disincentives toward healthy eating.

How does access to food affect food choices?

Food Access. Consumer choices about food spending and diet are likely to be influenced by the accessibility and affordability of food retailers—travel time to shopping, availability of healthy foods, and food prices. Some people and places, especially those with low income, may face greater barriers in accessing healthy and affordable food…

Which is an important physical factor in food choice?

Accessibility to shops is another important physical factor influencing food choice, which is dependent on resources such as transport and geographical location. Healthy food tends to be more expensive when available within towns and cities compared to supermarkets on the outskirts 19.