South Bronx community food Assessment: Leveraging large organization, government and community based resources to transform food access and dietary health

A coalition of health and food-related organizations have come together to address alarming rates of diet-related disease in the South Bronx, one of U.S.'s poorest communities.. According to 2005 Community Health Survey Data, 67.4% of South Bronx adults are overweight or obese, compared to 54.8% of New York City adults, raising their likelihood of developing heart disease and diabetes. The South Bronx's Community Food Assessment (CFA) project has brought together partners comprising the following disciplines: public health, food security, medical, nutrition, urban agriculture, culinary, farmers market management, youth development and education, urban planning, and community organizing. With this multi-disciplinary expertise, residents in Community Board 1 (pre-k through adult) have been engaged in focus groups, surveys, events, photovoice and other interactive activities to envision change in their food landscape and take steps to create change. Preliminary results from Phase I of this project in 2005-06 in the Melrose section of Community Board 1, revealed interest in nutrition education and community garden opportunities, a buying club and additional farm stands in closer proximity to public housing. Phase 2 of this project has been multi-faceted: 1) engaged more of CB1 residents in assessment activities; 2) begun implementation of the Melrose community's identified needs as a demonstration project model for other S. Bronx community districts; and 3) developed an electronic Community Food Assessment toolkit model for replication in other NYC Community Districts and for communities beyond New York City. Epidemiological support from the Bronx District Public Health Office is engaged in evidencing the dietary behavior and health impacts of these new food resources and education.