From food desert to mobile food access in an underserved community

The Mattapan community of Boston is rich in cultural diversity. More than 93% of residents are people of color. Eighteen percent of families and 25% of children live below poverty. Access to healthy food is limited with no full service grocery stores. Thirty five percent of adults in Mattapan are obese, the highest of all Boston neighborhoods. Mortality rates for diabetes are significantly higher in Mattapan than for Boston overall. (Boston BRFSS 2011). Since 2006, the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition has worked collaboratively with the Mattapan Community Health Center to address obesity. A farmers market was the first project of the coalition, with discounted sales to SNAP participants. A youth powered mobile farm stand further increased healthy food accessibility. With support from the local health department, the Healthy on the Block project has increased availability of healthy foods in convenience stores. To support cooking skills acquisition, cooking classes and demonstrations were done at the farmers market, local stores and youth and elder programs. The Mattapan Farmers Market and Mobile Farm Stand have become institutionalized in Mattapan with increased sales to SNAP participants. The Healthy on the Block project has increased access to fruits, vegetables, low sugar, whole grain, and low fat foods. A multi-faceted approach to improve the food environment in low income communities must be taken to affect obesity and related health conditions. Measurable statistical health impact results may take longer to realize in this approach but should have more far reaching results.