Improving Access to Healthy Food

Healthy Eating Active Communities (HEAC)

Childhood obesity threatens the health and futures of our young people. Today, more than 23 million children and adolescents in the United States—nearly one in three young people—are either obese or overweight, putting them at higher risk for serious, even life-threatening health problems. If we don't reverse the epidemic, the current generation of young people could be the first in U.S. history to live sicker and die younger than their parent's generation.

To combat childhood obesity, groups formed coalitions throughout California to increase access to healthy food and physical activity. The Healthy Eating Active Communities program, or HEAC, located in six locations -- Baldwin Park, Los Angeles; Chula Vista, San Diego County; Oakland, Alameda County; Santa Ana, Orange County; South LA, Los Angeles County; South Shasta County, Shasta County -- encourages policies that will reduce the risk factors for diabetes and obesity. These include:

• Maximizing opportunities for joint use to allow public access to school grounds, parks, and open fields;
• Urging healthcare facilities to promote healthy eating and physical activity;
• Arranging for community institutions to provide free or low-cost childhood obesity prevention and weight management programs;
• Converting corner stores to sell and prominently feature fruits and vegetables;

As a technical advisor, PolicyLink worked with HEAC to train advocates on how to improve neighborhood conditions, including improving access to healthy food.

Childhood Obesity Prevention

PolicyLink has coordinates a network of technical assistance providers to ensure coordinated, effective support for groups across the country working to address the problem of childhood obesity, including efforts to increase access to healthy food. Click here for more information.