Access to healthy food refers to the ability of individuals or households to obtain foods that are safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate, and affordable, in sufficient quantities for a healthy diet. The location and density of food stores, transportation options, affordability of nutritious foods, and local food programs shape food access. Inadequate access can result from “food deserts” (areas without nearby, affordable healthy food outlets) or “food swamps” (areas dominated by unhealthy food options).1
Why Does This Matter?
- Impacts Development of Cognitive Abilities
- Early nutritional deficiencies impair brain development, reducing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.2
- Causal Factor for Behavioral Issues
- Food insecurity increases absenteeism, behavioral problems, and lower math and reading scores.3
- Influences School Graduation
- Children with chronic food insecurity are less likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education.4
1 Access to foods that support healthy dietary patterns – Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov. (n.d.). https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/access-foods-support-healthy-dietary-patterns
2 Jyoti DF, Frongillo EA, Jones SJ. Food insecurity affects school children’s academic performance, weight gain, and social skills. J Nutr. 2005 Dec;135(12):2831-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/135.12.2831. PMID: 16317128.
3 Alaimo K, Olson CM, Frongillo EA Jr. Food insufficiency and American school-aged children’s cognitive, academic, and psychosocial development. Pediatrics. 2001 Jul;108(1):44-53. Erratum in: Pediatrics 2001 Sep;108(3):824b. PMID: 11433053.
4 Gundersen C, Ziliak JP. Food Insecurity And Health Outcomes. Health Aff (Millwood). 2015 Nov;34(11):1830-9. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0645. PMID: 26526240.