Many rural and urban communities in Louisiana have high rates of obesity and diet related chronic disease and experience limited access to food retailers selling affordable healthy food. At the request of the Louisiana State Senate, the Healthy Food Retail Study Group (the Study Group) has prepared a report which explores this problem and reviews its consequences and practical solutions.
This report first provides a succinct explanation of the importance of access to healthy food retail, as well as viable strategies to improve access in underserved communities. It then summarizes key findings from relevant scientific research conducted in Louisiana. The third section of the report contains the recommendations of the Study Group.
In brief, the Healthy Food Retail Study Group recommends that Louisiana establish a statewide financing program, similar to the successful Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, to provide grants and loans to supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other food retail ventures that improve access to healthy food in underserved rural and urban communities. It provides further guidance on the structure and implementation of this program.
A healthy diet is rich in micronutrients, low in fat and salt (sodium) , and balances the calories we eat with those we burn. Because we consume individual foods as part of an overall diet, it is important to consider both the quality and the quantity of what we eat.
In this report, we use the term “healthy food ” to describe foods which are high in essential nutrients and low in sugar, salt, fat, and saturated fat. The most important foods to promoting health are fresh fruits and vegetables; additionally, this term includes whole grains, low and non fat dairy products, and seafood and lean meats. Healthy foods are also fresh or minimally processed. While processing allows us to purchase food that is convenient, shelf stable, and sometimes cheaper, it often increases the amount of fat, sugar, or salt in the product.
“Unhealthy food ” describes food that is high in calories, sugar, fat, or salt, with few other nutrients that contribute to health. This includes soft drinks, fast food, and sweet and salty snacks (candy,cookies, chips, etc.). Such foods are often characterized by high caloric density or high number of calories per unit of weight.
CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Introduction
- How to Recognize Healthy Food
Background of the Healthy Food Retail Study Group
Why Access to Healthy Food Retail Matters
- Understanding the Issue of Food Access
Food, Diet, and Health in Louisiana
Healthy Food Access is Vital to Combat Obesity and Promote Health
Community and Economic Impact of Healthy Food Retail
Addressing the Barriers to Investment in Underserved Communities
Research Findings: Underserved Communities in Louisiana
- Rural Louisiana and the Lower Mississippi Delta
Southeastern Louisiana
New Orleans
Recommendations for a Healthy Food Retail Financing Program
- Create a LA Financing Program for Healthy Food Retail Development
The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative: A Successful Model
Central Goals of the Program
Program Structure and Administration
Healthy Food Retail Projects
Financial Products
Healthy Food Retailers Financed through the Pennsylvania FFFI
Applicant Eligibility and Selection
Coordination with Complementary Nutrition Programs
Program Oversight and Project Monitoring
Fiscal Investment by the State of Louisiana
Conclusion
Appendixes
References
