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?
- 27% of Washington households experience food insecurity. (WAFOOD Survey, July 2021)
- 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.
- Close to one million people in Washington receive SNAP (food assistance). Nearly 2/3 are children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
- 249,356 kids in the Puget Sound are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
- 43% of Washington households said their diets worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
