Increasing Equitable Access to Nutritious Foods in Washington
What we eat and drink matters to our heart and brain health. Unfortunately, many households in Washington State struggle to put healthy food on the table. Many factors impact if an individual or family has nutritious foods available, accessible, affordable and can utilize healthy foods that promote well-being and prevent and treat disease. We also acknowledge that nutrition security disparities are a health equity issue; many marginalized communities continue to experience negative health impacts as a legacy of disinvestment and oppressive practices, which have manifested as high rates of food insecurity and chronic diseases. The American Heart Association is working to increase nutrition security to ensure that everyone in all communities can live as healthy as possible.
Did You Know?
- Rural counties (20%) and neighborhoods within South King County (over 26%) experience the highest food insecurity rates in the state. (CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2022)
- Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity due to compounding structural factors. In WA: 40% of Black households, 37% of Hispanic households compared to 25% of White households.
- Nearly 900,000 people in WA receive SNAP food assistance. Over half of WA SNAP participants are families with children. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. SNAP Fact Sheet WA. January 2025)
- Over 2 million children in Washington are enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch programs. (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Child Nutrition Program Reports. 2024-2025)
