Priority Area Leaders

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Coalition Steering Committee Rep: Martha Assefa, Worcester Food Policy Council

WDPH Staff Reps:  Jennifer Nakijoba

Priority Area Convening Partner: Worcester Food Policy Council

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To be added to the Access to Healthy Food distribution list, please email info@healthygreaterworcester.org.  

 

Priority Area Aim

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Ensure all people have equal access to healthful foods by building and sustaining communities that support health through investment in the growth, sale, and preparation of healthy foods.

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Objectives and Strategies

 

Obj. 7.1. Increase the number of eligible people participating in federal food programs (SNAP, WIC, National School Lunch Program) by 5% by 2020 and increase utilization of those programs for healthy food.     
 

7.1.1. Leverage opportunities to enroll eligible individuals in federal food programs such as during MassHealth enrollment. 
7.1.2. Increase the number of primary care providers screening and referring to food insecurity. 
7.1.3. Conduct SNAP and WIC outreach at community-based and faith-based organizations.
7.1.4. Increase number of farmers markets accepting SNAP and WIC.
7.1.5. Establish sustainable funding for SNAP match programs.
7.1.6. Develop a mechanism for school-aged children to provide input on breakfasts, lunches, and snacks provided through federal school meal plans.
 

Obj. 7.2. Increase average daily number of fruits and vegetables eaten by youth and adults by one serving by reducing systemic barriers to healthy eating.    
 

7.2.1. Make resources available for youth programs to improve their capacity to provide nutritious food for their participants. 
7.2.2. Increase buying power of low income households by increasing the minimum wage.
7.2.3. Increase access to fresh healthy produce at corner stores in undeserved neighborhoods and increase utilization of REC's Mobile Farmers Market.
7.2.4. Create a stronger regional food system by building relationships between farmer and institutional consumers through aggregation, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen local produce.
 

Obj. 7.3. Increase the number of individuals participating in school and community gardening and nutrition programs by 50% by 2020.    
 

7.3.1. Increase the means of culturally-diverse community gardens and gardeners to grow fruits and vegetables.
7.3.2. Ensure community members utilize the provisions of the urban agriculture ordinance through education and resource development. 
7.3.3. Implement the Kindergarten Initiative at schools to engage children from an early age in the growth, preparation, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. 
7.3.4. Develop and expand comprehensive curricula around gardening, cooking, and nutrition to increase the impact of school and community gardens. 
7.3.5. Provide opportunities for faith-based organizations to engage in food justice, including gardening, cooking classes and healthy options in pantries.  

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Minutes from Past Meetings

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Access to Healthy Food Folder on the Coalition Drive

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Future Meetings

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Coalition Calendar

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2016 CHIP 

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2016 CHIP Document

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