IMPROVING COMMUNITY NETWORKS TO REDUCE RISK FACTORS FOR FOOD INSECURITY AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 18 IN VANCE COUNTY

This proposal outlines strategies to address food insecurity among children under 18 in Vance County, North Carolina, through a social and community context lens. Children in Vance County have limited food access and economic barriers that impact their health and development. The project aims to improve access to meals through schools and community sites by establishing sustainable, community-driven food networks. A collaborative effort involving local government, public health departments, schools, nonprofits, and businesses seeks to address the social determinants of food insecurity. Long-term goals include building a regional food network that supports local producers, promoting data collection for community health assessments, and fostering community participation via a co-design project. The task force aims to reduce child food insecurity through evidence-based interventions, highlighting the importance of collective action, sustainable solutions, and accountability in addressing this critical public health issue. Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Food Insecurity, Vance County, Children