Types of Food Access
- Access to grocery stores within a reasonable distance and that have healthy, culturally appropriate food options. Places without access to this are often called “food deserts.” Distance to a store can mean different things to different people depending on the type of transportation available. For example, a grocery store within a mile of a home with a personal vehicle is fairly accessible. However, the same grocery store within a mile of a home without public transportation and/or limited sidewalks is a very different experience of access.
- Ability to purchase food. The cost of groceries continues to increase across the state, and country, making access to food even more difficult. Additionally, the increased cost of housing, healthcare, education, and other essentials makes access to food even harder.
Food access is a huge problem in Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture and University of Washington, roughly 1 in 8 adults (12.5%) and 1 in 6 of children (16.7%) face hunger. About 11% Washington’s population receives food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Food insecurity means people don't have access or can't afford enough food. There are many ways that food access shows up for people and how it impacts our health.
Access to healthy food is key for proper nutrition for everyone, especially for growing children. Food insecurity can contribute to chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental health. Increased stress from wondering if and when you and/or your family will have enough to eat increases anxiety, depression, and other chronic health conditions linked to prolonged stress.
Food access also considers other built environments like neighborhood conditions, transportation, and parks and green space. Review funding opportunities.