Environmental Public Health Commons^™

Healthy Options: A Community-Based Program To Address Food Insecurity, Amy B. Dailey, Audrey Hess, Camille Horton, Emily Constantian, Salma Monani, Betsy Wargo, Kim Davidson, Kathy Gaskin

Center for Public Service Research

The objectives of this study are to better understand the lived experience of food insecurity in our community and to examine the impact of a community-based program developed to increase access to local, healthy foods. Participants were given monthly vouchers to spend at local farmers’ markets and invited to engage in a variety of community activities. Using a community-based participatory research framework, mixed methods were employed. Survey results suggest that most respondents were satisfied with the program and many increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. However, over 40% of respondents reported a higher level of stress over having enough money …

Closing The Food Gap In Adams County: A Proposal For Comprehensive Solutions Through Community Action, Vickie Corbett, Rayna Cooper, Kim Davidson, Kathy Gaskin, Kathy Glahn, Aimee S. George, Audrey Hess, Gretchen Natter, Christine Nemetz, Megan Shreve, Sara W. Tower

Center for Public Service Research

Today, in Adams County, we have two food systems. The 20% who live in poverty survive on food stamps, the food pantry, church donations, and trips to discount food vendors. Those with more financial stability could choose from an abundance of healthy, sustainably produced, local and international foods. We have come to accept these two food systems as the norm without critically analyzing how it is affecting individuals and the health of our communities.

In addition to reducing the disparity and closing the food gap, this initiative is focused on building our local economy and educating our community about nutrition …