As defined at the 1996 World Food Summit, food security is attained “when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (World Bank). Nearly 12 percent of Mecklenburg County’s households are considered food insecure, which means they have a reduced quality and variety of diet, may eat less, and have eating patterns that are disrupted due to lack of money and resources (Feeding America).
The goal of the Food Security programs is to increase and improve healthy food environments and improve economic and physical access to food. Limited access to healthy food can lead to poor diets, which can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Individuals earning low incomes are also more likely to be exposed to advertising for unhealthy food products. Even when access to food is improved, healthy foods tend to cost more.
For details, visit here: https://health.mecknc.gov/population-health/chronic-disease-policy-and-prevention/food-security