Author: Joann Lianekhammy
Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences
Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)
Outcome: Initial Outcome
FCS Cooperative Extension was awarded a CDC-1809 High Obesity Prevention grant as of September 30, 2018. The 5-year project focuses on one of six counties participating in previous CDC grant work, where adult obesity remains above 40%--Martin County. A goal of the current grant is to increase access to healthy foods, in an effort to reduce obesity. Martin County faces numerous challenges related to food insecurity, food deserts, lack of access to clean water, and lack of walkable communities. The poverty rate in Martin County, 39.1%, is one of the highest among counties in the US. Through our grant work, we have been working closely with two food pantries in Martin County. Both pantry coordinators are very involved in a community health coalition started by our grant team. The coalition identified a strong need for refrigerator and freezers as one way to bolster the infrastructure of these two vital resources. Through the grant, we were able to purchase and deliver the appliances September of 2019. By providing a means for refrigeration and freezing, the pantries were able to provide patrons with other types of food besides shelf-stable items as well as serve more individuals and families. Strengthening the infrastructure of these two food pantries is particularly of great importance due to the increased reliance on these resources as a result of the pandemic.
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