Lack of access to healthy foods and the associated negative outcomes on the health of Mid South residents are well documented. Obesity and the lack of consumption of fresh fruit, for example are among the highest levels in the country. One strategy to address the social and economic costs of lack of access to fresh food includes HOPE’s Fresh Food financing Initiative. This initiative provides $14 million to expand access to fresh food in underserved communities in Orleans Parish LA and supports small businesses to to jobs.
Fact Sheet: Access to Healthy Food Vital to Battle Obesity Epidemic