Healthy Food Hub: Consumer Driven Solutions

Introduction: A growing number of community-based studies have examined the poor food environment in low-income African American neighborhoods, but far fewer studies have documented the actions and experiences of African American consumers to improve food access through cooperative buying and the food environment. The purpose of this study is to describe the consumer-driven process to improve access to affordable, healthy, nutritious food in Chicago. Healthy Food Hub is a consumer operated community supported agriculture (CSA) model and the main goal is to 1) build a structure for local/regional food system and 2) provide community level health and nutrition outreach and education. Method: Results were gathered from Healthy Food Hub steering community meeting notes, Healthy Food Hub order data base, on-line consumer discussion forum, and member survey. Results: Findings document the Healthy Food Hub model, process, member characteristics and geographic reach. We discuss the diversity of healthy food provided, buying patterns, and self reported health improvements. We describe lessons learned and efforts underway to expand the partnership to West Suburbs in partnership with Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine faculty and students. Conclusions: Consumer actions and experiences to improve food access in low income African American neighborhoods is an important part of restoring the food environment. Healthy Food Hub is an effect consumer driven model for the local food system that can improve the current food environment.