Texas Food Policy Roundtable and State Fresh Food Initiatives Kathy Golson Senior Policy Advisor Texas Department of Agriculture

Food Insecurity vs. Hunger Food Insecurity: household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Hunger: individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity.

Texas Landscape 2 nd in household food insecurity (16.3%) 2 nd in childhood food insecurity (24.3%) 64% of Texas adults overweight or obese 20.4% of Texas children overweight or obese

Food Insecurity and Obesity Often co-exist in the same families Calorie-dense, less nutritious foods are often cheaper Those eating less or skipping meals to stretch food budgets may overeat when food does become available, resulting in chronic ups and downs in food intake that can contribute to weight gain

Food Insecurity and Obesity Families in low-income neighborhoods may have: More access to processed, cheap foods, and less access to fresh, more nutritious foods Less access to health care Fewer options for physical activity High levels of stress Greater exposure to “unhealthy” marketing

Economic Consequences Medical costs related to obesity may be as high as $147 billion for 2008 Average annual medical costs of an obese individual vs. healthy weight = $1,500 more Medicare and Medicaid, pay $1,723 and $1,021 more respectively for each obese individual when compared to a normal weight person Obesity cost Texas businesses $3.3 million in 2005 related to health care absenteeism, decreased productivity, and disability

Healthy Food Advisory Committee SB 343 by Senator Jane Nelson HHSC (DSHS) and TDA, stakeholders from health and retail sectors Review underserved areas in retail availability of fresh produce and healthy foods Study impact on proper nutrition, obesity, and chronic illnesses Develop recommendations for statewide financing program

Healthy Food Advisory Committee Maximize existing grant and loan options as well as public-private partnerships to provide incentives for economic development in underserved areas Establish local food policy councils Encourage food access as part of local level transportation planning Encourage participation in available nutrition assistance programs

Texas Food Policy Roundtable Develop, coordinate and improve the implementation of food policy to address hunger and promote equitable, sustainable and healthy food in Texas Broad group of organizations--health, hunger, agriculture, faith-based, poverty, as well as USDA, TDA, HHSC

Texas Food Policy Roundtable Four primary areas: –Summer Nutrition Programs –SNAP –Obesity and Nutrition –Local and Sustainable Food Systems

Texas Food Policy Roundtable Goals: Increase access to food assistance and nutrition education Improve quality of meals served through nutrition programs Improve access to fresh, healthy food for low-income communities