Improving Urban Food Environments through Community-Based Public Health Interventions

1. Improving Urban Food Environments through Community-Based Public Health Interventions Russell, M., MNO1, Abrams, BS4, Taggart, M.2, Scofield, J., MA,CHES3,, Borawski, E., Ph.D.1 1CASE Center for Health Promotion Research, 2 Ohio State University Extension , 3Cleveland Department of Public Health , 4Case Master of Public Health Program ABSTRACT A number of low-income and minority Cleveland neighborhoods suffer from years of disinvestment, population aging and decline, and high unemployment rates. This combination has resulted in drastic changes to local food environments with the closing of grocery stores and markets replaced by a growing reliance on fast food chains and corner stores for food security. Qualitative data gathered by many Cleveland service providers and organizations shows that a number of Cleveland neighborhoods display “food desert” characteristics. Defined as “areas with no or distant grocery stores” food deserts leave communities with limited access to healthy and affordable eating options, often leaving corner stores to fill the “food access” void. While corner stores are conveniently located throughout most Cleveland neighborhoods, they often lack fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat snack options. This directly impacts the food environment by increasing access to processed and pre-packed foods, which are often low in price and nutrition and high in calories. To address this public health concern, the Center for Health Promotion Research has partnered with Steps to a Healthier Cleveland (Cleveland Department of Public Health) to create the Cleveland Corner Store Project (CSP), which aims to redefine the image and purpose of corner stores in low income neighborhoods. The project engages local corner stores, nonprofit agencies, private businesses, and local growers to increase healthy and fresh food options in three Cleveland neighborhoods that lack adequate access to this basic quality of life resource. We will work directly with three stores during the pilot phase. The CSP also works to reduce resident exposure to tobacco signage and advertising while increasing safety in and around the intervention stores in the hopes of creating a family-friendly and healthy environment. The poster provides an overview of the CCSP as a community based public health intervention. SCHOOL FOODZONES– CITYWIDE FOOD ACCESS AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD LEVEL PROJECT PARTNERS ACCESS TO FULL SERVICE GROCERIES INTERVENTION MATERIALS PROJECT SPONSORS Home Depot (Steelyard) Petitti Garden Center