Food and Nutrition Task Force
LISC takes a holistic approach to improving community health in underserved communities by promoting better housing, education and job opportunities. But we also target our work to shore up the fundamental resources every neighborhood needs to promote wellness. That means ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food and providing nutrition education that is culturally relevant and linguistically tailored.
The Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone formed a Food and Nutrition Task Force to spearhead efforts to improve the availability and uptake of healthy food and good nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO), nearly 40% of adolescents reported consuming fruit less than one time daily, and more than 60% of adults are considered overweight or obese.
With partnership funding from LISC, Integra and the CDC, the Nutrition Task Force developed a strategy to promote healthy food and increase access points across the two communities. LISC engaged a consultant to conduct asset mapping of food resources in the two communities. In partnership with RI Kids Count, the Task Force held focus group discussions with community members. These findings were incorporated into an issue brief focused on the root causes of obesity and outlined solutions to address racial and ethnic disparities in RI. The report, produced by RI Kids Count, showed that childhood obesity in Pawtucket and Central Falls ranks among the highest in the State.
In addition, the committee identified a Food Ambassador who would work with corner stores, food pantries, and community centers to bring in healthy food choices. The Food Ambassador would create recipes and tasting opportunities and promote healthy eating through events and partnerships. His role is to provide education, navigation services and free programs in both clinical and community settings to individuals in the target population.
