Access to Healthy Food
Description: Access to healthy food is a pressing social and economic issue for Washtenaw County, highlighted by 52% of 2023 community survey respondents. Focus group insights shed light on the prevalence of food deserts in Washtenaw County, where residents struggle to find nutritious options. Limited access to affordable, nutritious food poses significant public health risks. It's linked to various chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, as well as mental health conditions.
What the data say:
- 1 in 10 Washtenaw County residents experienced food insecurity at some point during 2022.
Themes from Interviews and Focus Groups
- Access to healthy food options (youth)
- Challenges in maintaining traditional healthy diet (Latinx community)
- Lack of nutrition knowledge
- Local food deserts
"I think really being proactive when it comes to nutrition and health with our youth is something that I think would be major and it will really help to change the trajectory of health within our communities."
-- Interview participant
Food Insecurity Rate
"The loss of the grocery store and pharmacy, left to [community members] trying to figure out, like, how do I get the things I need? Now, I've got to add one more step of figuring out, you know, how do I get a ride, or try to do a bus or, or whatever the options might be. And they were very, very limiting."
-- Interview participant