In 2013, in an effort to combat obesity in their city, the Las Vegas City Council passed a resolution that would increase access to healthy food options in underserved areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 percent of Las Vegas children and 60 percent of adults are obese or overweight. Through this resolution the city hopes to improve the quality of life and health benefits for residents as well encourage economic development within the community.

The City Council adopted the Food Access Policy and Planning Guide which presents key objectives for improving access to affordable and nutritious food. Future plans include the following:

• Promoting opportunities to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through the creation of community gardens and farmers markets
• Avoiding concentrations of unhealthy food retailers and liquor stores within the city
• Partnering with the Southern Nevada Health District to encourage operators of existing convenience stores to offer healthy food and fresh produce alternatives.
• Utilizing economic development, land use, and other incentives to attract new retailers

Read the resolution, guide, and other supporting materials here.

For a full understanding of Healthy Food Financing Initiatives from advocacy to implementation, see The Food Trust’s Healthy Food Financing Handbook.