Texas Health is teaming up with Gallup to launch a first-of-its kind nutrition security study to gain a better understanding of the challenges around healthy food access. The findings of the study, which will focus on Tarrant, Dallas, and Collin counties, will help guide Texas Health’s expansion of current programs, engage the community in long-terms solutions, and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in North Texas.
“Access to healthy foods is a critical social determinant that can greatly affect long-term physical and mental well-being, especially in children,” said Texas Health CEO Barclay Berdan, FACHE. “By working with a world-renowned research organization such as Gallup, we hope to gain a better understanding of the issues our communities are facing in creating equitable access to healthy foods and learn more about the needs of the individuals we seek to support.”
While food security has long been an area of focus, this study will incorporate a unique methodology that delves further into why people make certain food choices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines nutrition security as having consistent access to affordable foods and beverages that promote well-being and prevent disease.
The study will kick off early this year when researchers begin conducting interviews with community members in the three counties. Their focus will be on ZIP code areas that have the greatest need for interventions, as identified in the most recent Texas Health Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).
Next, Gallup will conduct focus groups and interviews with key stakeholder groups, including a representative sample of retailers; elected officials; federal, city and county staff; farmers and food producers; healthcare organizations; local foundations; food service suppliers; nonprofit organizations; and community activists.
Results are expected later this year and will include a visual representation or map that depicts how respondents think about their opportunities and challenges related to healthy foods and how they interact with, and make decisions, in their food environment. Such graphical maps can help identify gaps in knowledge or experience among groups, according to Gallup senior researcher Ellyn Maese.
“This approach offers a window into the minds and lives of respondents that other types of data might obscure,” Maese said. “Through mental landscaping, we can assess how potential changes such as new programs or policies may impact the community to determine where resources might be best spent.”
Texas Health supports a broad range of community health initiatives focused on nutrition security, many through North Texas Healthy Communities, which implements well-being programs across its service area. They include the Good For You Pantry and Fresh Access efforts, which provide free produce and healthy foods in schools and community centers, Double Up Food Bucks at select grocery stores and farmers markets, and Blue Zones Project programs in Tarrant County. In addition, the health system supports urban farms and school and community gardens.
“If we want to make a lasting impact on community well-being, we need to get a deeper understanding of the needs of the people we are serving and make sure that the systems and interventions we put in place truly address those needs,” Berdan said. “This study will play a pivotal role by helping us structure, refine and coordinate our efforts in the years to come.”