Several studies conducted in recent years demonstrate the various environmental and social factors that influence health. These include education, income, employment, access to essential resources, safe housing, and dietary habits.
Technological advances and a rapidly urbanizing world have brought major changes in our food systems and eating environments. We now enjoy access to readily available food throughout the day without putting much care into what we eat and how we eat it. Therefore, it’s unsurprising to see some of the leading causes of death like diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and heart disease, directly linked to food and nutrition. Additionally, we can observe a growing prevalence of chronic health conditions like obesity in developed countries like the United States. Besides causing harm to an individual’s physical health, such ailments also result in reduced quality of life and poorer mental health.
Altogether, these factors influence what, where, and how much food an average American consumes. According to the Institute of Medicine, public health interventions must make this health issue a national priority to prevent chronic conditions. Solving this problem requires a collaborative effort, and to help you get started, we outlined seven ways you can promote healthy eating within your community. Technology enables our keeping in touch with our loved ones through different means like the AllsWell safety app.
1. Advocate for good food policies
As a food policy council member, you can tackle many healthy and safe eating issues. This council consists of stakeholders that address food needs specific to a particular region. Their day-to-day responsibilities include publishing relevant research, monitoring food safety laws, and working with government officials to develop better policies. Since this job requires working with several organizations, you must have relevant knowledge and skills to navigate the processes. Enrolling in advanced degree programs like masters in public health online can help you achieve this and prepare you better to voice your community’s concerns.
Look for opportunities to engage officials at the state level to best support your policy agenda and bring about the desired changes.
2. Screen for food insecurity
Food insecurity is a factor that significantly contributes to a community’s healthy eating habits. It is the inability or uncertainty to acquire safe and nutritional food in the right way. Due to its unavailability, particularly vulnerable populations turn to poorer dietary choices that impact their health and cause long-term illnesses. As a community member, you can collaborate with healthcare providers to assess and screen those patients visiting facilities for food insecurity. By identifying a target population more susceptible to food insecurity, you can work with relevant professionals to tailor patients’ needs. These regular screening programs can reduce the prevalence of food security within communities and reduce healthcare costs by minimizing emergency visits.
3. Improve access to healthy and affordable food
In most communities, access to healthy food comes with many obstacles. It either requires taking longer routes or spending more money than you usually would on groceries. Over the years, public health officials have identified several promising approaches that, besides improving access to healthy food, also make it affordable.
Some of these approaches include:
- Food systems models
This model takes a whole-system approach to address the various issues surrounding food accessibility. It works on holistically solving each problem by voicing varying concerns and collaborating with different parts of the food system.
- Community gardens
These are pre-determined plots of land that allow community residents to grow food of their choice. They enable people to plant their fruits and vegetables while preventing them from worrying about running out of food.
- Farm to school models
This national program aims to increase healthy food consumption within local schools and communities. It connects schools with farmers and promotes direct purchasing with them.
4. Reduce access to unhealthy food
Although improving access to healthy food can positively impact a community, it alone can’t necessarily reduce excess calorie intake. Therefore, it’s imperative to minimize the consumption of calorie-rich and nutrient-poor foods to prevent severe chronic conditions. Since these foods are often inexpensive and in constant access, they are immensely popular in low-income neighborhoods. One strategy that may decrease consumption is implementing taxes on items rich in sugars with no nutritious value, for example, carbonated beverages. You can also connect with local representatives to restrict vending machines near playgrounds or schools to discourage kids from constantly eating junk food.
5. Explore avenues for farmers’ markets
Local farmers grow and sell products directly to the public in a farmer’s market. These farmers may be professional farmhands with good land for growing crops or typical community members with small backyard gardens. Farmers’ markets are an excellent source for buying fresh fruits and vegetables—both great for decreasing blood pressure and minimizing the risk for several diseases. The wide variety of available produce ensures community members receive a diversity of essential nutrients and consume a balanced diet.
Additionally, organizing a farmer’s market is a great opportunity to socialize with neighbors and the local crowd. Social interactions reduce stress and boost productivity, promoting a healthier lifestyle within communities.
6. Build healthier convenience stores
Research shows that neighborhoods with access to well-equipped grocery stores and supermarkets have better dietary habits and a lower prevalence of obesity. Easy access to corner students allow residents to buy fruits and vegetables regularly. It also encourages more people to eat homemade food rather than go to a local eatery for a quick (and likely unhealthy) bite. Low-income and minority groups usually have poor access to healthy corner stores. Consequently, they are at a greater risk of having a high body mass index and are more prone to chronic illnesses.
Although building a convenience store is a long and complicated process that requires plenty of resources, your support can make a vital difference. Laying the groundwork can make subsequent actionable steps easier and achievable.
7. Raise awareness
If the local community remains unaware of the consequences of their poor dietary habits, you can equip them with knowledge and tools to better control their health. Design awareness campaigns on social media or other platforms to promote healthy eating, raise awareness about prevalent health conditions, and offer solutions. Encourage members to engage in physical activity and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
Globally, there is an increasing awareness regarding the various impacts consuming healthy food can have. Its effect is not just limited to preventing and treating food-related illnesses but also promotes wealthier economies, sustainability, and flourishing communities. Therefore, you must do your part in advocating for healthier eating habits within your neighborhood and reduce the prevalence of easily preventable diseases.
