IMPROVING FOOD ACCESS FOR BLACK RESIDENTS IN UNDERINVESTED AREAS OF GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES

Food insecurity is a systemic issue within the built environment of Granville and Vance (GV) counties, North Carolina (NC), that has pervasive negative effects on residents’ health outcomes. Analysis of GV counties’ built environment identified food insecurity as a priority to address. The team performed contextual analyses to gain comprehensive understanding of the impact food access has on residents, and what factors influence that relationship. As a result, the team identified several recommendations to reduce food insecurity while prioritizing equity-centered, community-driven solutions. Through establishment of a food resource directory, expansion of the NC Department of Transportation’s Microtransit program, and creation of a food insecurity steering committee, access to adequate nutrition would improve for GV counties’ residents. These efforts, in combination with local partnerships and stakeholder collaboration, can reduce barriers to food access and assistance programs. Additionally, these recommendations form a strong foundation for future improvements to be made.