Access to Affordable, Healthy Foods

Good nutrition is necessary for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and is important to people of every age. Access to healthy foods is essential to ensuring adequate nutrition.

Healthy Retail Environments

People living near grocery stores tend to have healthier diets and lower levels of obesity. Low income, rural and minority communities have poor access to supermarkets and healthier foods. Smaller stores often do not carry healthier foods because of limited space and equipment, or concerns about profit margin.

• Healthier Food Retail: Beginning the Assessment Process in Your State or Community, CDC
• The Community Food Security Assessment Toolkit, USDA
• The Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (NEAT), Michigan
• Healthy Food Environments resources, CDC
• Healthy Corner Stores Network resources

Food Assistance Programs

Food Assistance Programs are available to provide children, seniors and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon
• Women Infants and Children Program (WIC) in Oregon
• Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program (WIC and Seniors Farmers Markets Checks)

School Nutrition Programs

School Nutrition Programs (SNP) provide reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children in public schools, private schools, and residential child care institutions. Oregon's program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Oregon Department of Education.

• School Nutrition Programs
• After School Snacks
• Seamless Summer Option
• Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
• Special Milk Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)