Lack of Access to Affordable Healthy Food
Addressing Barriers to Affordable, Nutritious Food
Access to affordable, healthy food is a fundamental determinant of health, yet many people and families in Frederick County face persistent barriers to obtaining nutritious options. Limited availability of fresh food, high costs, transportation challenges, and systemic inequities contribute to food insecurity and poor dietary patterns. When people cannot afford healthy food, they may cut back on food spending by consuming less food or less healthy food, which can result in poorer health and impacts school performance, work productivity, stress levels, risk for chronic diseases, and medical spending.
The Affordable Healthy Food Workgroup is working to improve access to affordable healthy food in our community by increasing equitable access to affordable, healthy food by supporting community-driven solutions, strengthening public knowledge of food, nutrition, and local agriculture.
What are the impacts of facing barriers to accessing nutritious food?
13% of residents reported that within the past 12 months, they “often” or “sometimes” worried food would run out before they had money to buy more (CHNA Survey and Focus Groups Report, 2024). Of those who reported “often” or “sometimes” worrying about food running out, 58% also reported that they are worried about losing their current place to stay or lack a steady place to live (CHNA Survey Report, 2024).
Lower income residents are more likely to eat 2 servings of fruits and vegetables or less per day compared to those with a household income over $75,000 (54% and 37%, respectively) (CHNA Survey and Focus Groups Report, 2024).
What’s the good news?
Community-driven solutions, like Farm to School Frederick’s Veggie Van and Helping Hands and Caring Hearts’ Food Pantry, local partnerships, and food access programs are making it easier for more people to find and afford healthy food close to home.
What can we do about addressing equitable food access?
Decrease Risk Factors:
High cost of healthy food options
Food deserts and rural areas with limited accessibility to grocery stores
Lack of education about nutrition and how to cook food
Increase Protective Factors:
SNAP, WIC, and nutrition incentive programs
Partnerships with schools, food banks, and local farms
Culturally responsive food programs
Transportation services connected to food access
Subcommittee Goals: Coming Soon!
Meeting Minutes
Workgroup Leadership
Alysia Feuer
Workgroup Co-Lead
Farm to School Frederick, Executive Director
Amy Brockey
Workgroup Co-Lead
Farm to School Frederick, Associate Director
Nina Asham
Leadership Team
Unraveling Obesity, Founder
Laura DeFeo
Leadership Team
Frederick Health and DeFeo Family Farm, Lead Coach, Diabetes Prevention Program and Farm Co-Owner
Jenifer Zimmerman
Leadership Team
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, Executive Director
Kitty Devilbliss
Leadership Team
Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence, Director, Home and Community Connections
Jacqueline Pieterse
Leadership Team
Community Advocate
Staff Representative Coordinators
Malcolm Furgol
Executive Director
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Summer McClellan
LHIP Program Manager
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Affordable Healthy Food Workgroup Members
Join A Workgroup
Are you passionate about making a difference in Frederick County? Join one of our dedicated Workgroups to collaborate with like-minded individuals and drive meaningful change! If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete the form below and someone will be in touch.