SitemapEastgate Regional Council of Governments, in partnership with Youngstown City Health District, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley and Youngstown State University Regional Economic Development Initiative, is conducting a survey to assess the ease of access, availability and quality of food in Youngstown.
The survey asks residents about where they prefer to shop, the distance they travel, the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and what foods they typically keep in their home. The survey has been distributed to local fairs, festivals, markets and community events. There is also an online version and several additional drop-off locations throughout the city. The online site is goo.gl/gPFuH6. The goal of the survey is to improve the understanding of Youngstown’s food environment. Youngstown Invest Health Team, an initiative through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Reinvestment fund, has identified food access as a barrier to optimal health in Youngstown. Understanding why residents shop where they do and why they buy certain foods is key to addressing health disparities related to the food environment. The information collected will inform the creation of a Food Access Action Plan to address barriers. The survey is in English and is for adults age 18 and older. Only one survey per household. Anyone needing additional accommodations should call Kim Trowbridge at 330-325-6178 or ktrowbridge@neomed.edu. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Youngstown City Health District, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. and OCCHA. To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here.