Healthy Eating and Active Living
Food access and the built environment--obesity and its contribution to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health

High rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and associated morbidity continue to affect Hampden County residents. An estimated 30% of adults in the population are obese, with high rates also observed among children. Although childhood obesity rates have been falling nationally and within some communities in the region over the last few years, rates among children remain high Hampden County. In addition to contributing to chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, obesity can impact overall feelings of wellness and mental health status. A healthy diet and physical activity play an important role in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Increased physical activity and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are forms of prevention that could reduce obesity rates and improve the overall health of Hampden County residents. At the community level, there is the need for access to affordable healthy food and safe places to be active as well as programs to educate residents about the links between food, exercise and chronic disease.  The Hampden CHIP promotes the need for increased programming that encourages physical activity for youth and families, more financial support for team sports, and after school programming. In addition, areas of food insecurity and food deserts are prevalent in many urban areas within Hampden County, and the lack of public transportation makes it difficult for many low income people in rural areas to access food.

Strategy Implementation
The Healthy Eating and Active Living Domain Team chose the following strategies to implement in 2019-2020:

Meeting Agendas and Notes

 Metrics

• BMI Index in schools
• Areas of food insecurity and food deserts
• # of schools with Safe Routes to School or other health & wellness (e.g. 5210) programming
• Safe Routes to School ratings of programs
• # schools with School Wellness policies that include walking/biking to school, school nutrition requirements that include fresh local produce
• # of schools implementing and evaluating School Wellness Policies
• # of visits to school nurse with hunger-related problems
• # of fruits and vegetables consumed (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)
• # of towns w/ Complete Streets ordinances - # projects implemented in EJ neighborhoods
• SNAP/HIP  & WIC enrollment and utilization Meeting Agendas and Notes
• # of farms that offer HIP

Resources