N13: Local Food Environment – Above Green

(1 point)

INTENT

Support healthy food access and reduce environmental barriers to healthy eating.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to take into consideration the local food environment during site selection or programming.

ISSUE

Dietary patterns around the world are influenced by a complex mixture of personal, cultural and environmental factors, including the local food environment. The local food environment encompasses the type and density of food retail outlets, including grocery stores and food service outlets, and the consistent availability of healthy, wholesome foods at these venues. However, certain environments have the potential to be more obesogenic than others, promoting weight gain and possibly contributing to obesity. In particular, the presence of smaller grocery stores and fast food establishments influences food choices and is associated with a higher prevalence of obesity.

SOLUTIONS

Locating projects within close proximity to supermarkets and grocery stores with produce sections and farmers markets can help individuals improve their dietary and lifestyle behaviors through environments that support better food choices. Hospitals and healthcare institutions that host farmers' markets and farm stands contribute to healthier nutrition environments by positively impacting fruit and vegetable consumption, an effective model that may be generalizable to other large institutions. Beyond farmers' markets, increased healthy food retail outlet density is associated with a lower BMI, while supermarket availability is associated with meeting dietary recommendations. On the other hand, exposure to an unhealthy food environment with many fast food outlets and unhealthy food choices may be associated with poorer quality diets and excess body weight. Mobile food markets, food carts and produce stands are additional ways to increase access to fruits and vegetables in the environments where individuals live, work and learn.

IMPACT

Local food environments with accessible and affordable healthy choices can help support individual dietary behaviors and reduce diet-related chronic disease.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Ensure Food Access (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Annotated Map

For All Spaces

At least one of the following requirements is met:

The project is located within 800 m [0.5 mi] walk distance of a supermarket or store with a fruits and vegetables section.
The project is located within 800 m [0.5 mi] walk distance of a farmers' market that is open at least once a week and operates for at least four months of the year.
The project serves as a distribution point for community-based agriculture programs and has the resource capacity to deliver fruits and vegetables to regular building occupants at least twice a month for at least four months of the year.
The project hosts on-site, weekly sale of fruits and vegetables within the project boundary (e.g., through food carts or mobile markets).