PROJECT: Community took root in Atlanta, the capital of the south, where life expectancy can vary by almost 20 years just a few zip codes apart. Food insecurity sits at the top of factors impacting the health of Georgians. A healthy heart begins with healthy food, yet driving along I-285 shows a distinct difference in the quality of grocery stores and restaurants. Access to healthy food should not depend on household income. 

In East Baton Rouge Parish, almost 30% of residents live in food deserts yet 65% are overweight or obese. Several low-income areas have little to no access to healthy food, quality health care, or safe and walkable streets for physical activity.

Birmingham is known as the Magic City, but reality is less than magical for many. Nearly 70% of residents live far enough away from a grocery store to make it difficult to obtain fresh food. Life expectancy can vary by up to 16 years between neighborhoods just miles apart. Factors like poverty, food insecurity, access to reliable housing, safe streets, and lack of access to quality health care continue to impact health outcomes.

Charlotte is known as the Queen City, but not everyone is treated like royalty. It ranks last among the 50 largest cities in economic upward mobility and struggles to provide equitable access to care, food security and healthy environments, resulting in 27% of adults being overweight or obese and nearly one-third of the community suffering from high blood pressure.

In Chattanooga, life expectancy can differ by up to 10 years based on your zip code. Many in the community face issues with high blood pressure, diabetes, access to healthcare and food insecurity. Whether you live in East Brainerd, Alton Park or North Chattanooga, we want everyone to live a longer, healthier life.

Augusta, GA is known as the Garden City, a name that conjures images of flowers and fresh produce. Yet, this is not the reality for almost half of our community that does not have access to healthy foods. Life expectancy can vary by up to 12 years between neighborhoods just miles apart. Factors like poverty, food insecurity, access to reliable housing, safe streets, and limited access to quality health care continue to impact health outcomes.

The nation's First Coast is covered in beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, however Duval County's 29 food deserts make access to nutritious food a challenge for some of our residents. Factors like poverty and a lack of safe streets can limit physical activities and lead to poor health outcomes. Life expectancy can vary by 14 years depending on where residents live.

Across the Lowcountry, we are fighting for longer lives by making the places where we live, learn, work, play, pray and heal as healthy as they can be. Our greatest priority across the Lowcountry is to help everyone in the community have better access to things like healthy foods and physical activity, as well as mental and physical health and primary care resources.

Beyond the lights of Beale Street, nearly 7 in 10 Shelby County residents are overweight, and 1 in 3 adults have diabetes. Thirty percent of children live below the poverty line. Life expectancy can vary by up to 12 years depending on the neighborhood. Factors like poverty, food insecurity, access to reliable housing, safe streets and healthcare continue the cycle.

New Orleans is food, fun, and culture. However, half of Orleans Parish residents live in areas with limited access to healthy foods, and more than 70% of our public school youth depend on free or reduced-price lunches. Our greatest health challenges include access to healthy food, safe and accessible streets, and lack of physical activity lead the way.

In Orlando, life expectancy can differ by up to 13 years in neighborhoods just a few miles apart. Issues such as access to healthcare, nutrition security and education are all significant factors that contribute to the health disparities faced by many Central Floridians.

Palm Beach County is home to world class beaches, dining, resorts and paradise to many. Palm Beach County is also one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, yet 200,000 people are food insecure and the county ranks second in the state of Florida for the number of homeless children.

South Florida is an international tourist destination with exotic beaches and delicious cuisine. However, the struggles of food insecurity are often overlooked. About 76% of the food insecure population in Broward County is eligible for SNAP. Both Miami-Dade and Broward counties are 2 of the 14 metropolitan counties in the nation with over 100,000 food-insecure children.

Tampa Bay has beautiful beaches, cultural cuisine, and “news of the weird.” But overlooked are the complex challenges that affect our neighbors every day. More than half lack access to healthy foods and recreational fitness centers. Almost 60% of our kids are eligible for reduced or free lunches and live in households earning at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. And nearly one-fifth are not insured, worse than the state average. 

There are 47 designated food deserts in North Carolina's Triad region. In the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point area, that translates to over 150,000 people living with food insecurity every day. Zip codes 27401, 27403, 27405, 27406, 27101 and 27105 have been found to be in greatest need. Social determinants of health are the highest priorities for achieving health and wellness in our community.

Every triangle has three sides, and they are not always equal. Life expectancy differs as much as 11 years based on your zip code. Many people, especially in our most diverse communities, face challenges with blood pressure, physical inactivity, access to healthy food, and access to health care. We are working in concert with local partners to be a force for a healthier Triangle.

The Upstate region of South Carolina tops many lists as one of the best places to visit and to live. Despite the beauty, fine dining, and outdoor adventure, over 126,000 residents live in poverty. Many lack access to healthy foods and healthcare which plays a tremendous role in life expectancy and health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable residents.