How Public Policy Can Promote Healthier Living

Foodproduction and sale involve countless moving parts spread throughout the globalcommunity, with many areas hidden from public view. Identifying key areas ofconcern, such as the use of harmful fertilizers, can be easy. The real difficultycomes when solutions need to be developed at a local level in order to supporthealthy choices. Communities do have options available to them, and publicpolicy plays a crucial role in creating a nutritional environment.

‍

Public policyis critical to the promotion of health. The Canadian Journal of Public Health provides acommentary on four distinct public policy areas that communities shouldfocus on: planning for health, transforming consumer environments, economic andfiscal instruments, and a culture of transparency and participation. Creatingtargeted initiatives in these areas can better position communities for ahealthy future.

‍

Healthy Planning

Geographicaccess to healthy foods is a major problem. The prevalence of food deserts orfood swamps means that travelling to healthy food retailers can be timeconsuming and costly. In the USalone, between 6 to 9 percent of households are left without healthy food, andclose to 30 million people live in low-income areas where access to healthyfood is limited.

‍

While thisissue involves many factors, including socio-economic challenges, thecombination of health professionals, public policy experts, and urban plannerscan help alleviate some of the difficulties.

‍

Public healthpractitioners can collaborate with urban planners to create policies thatensure people have access to healthy food retailers. Zoning policies andland-use planning can define the proximity of food retailers, taking intoconsideration environmental factors such as walkability, transportation, andaccess.

‍

By draftingbylaws, communities can guarantee that the food retail options around schools,for instance, support healthy lifestyles. Communities can also createlegislation that supports agricultural production within cities, which willstrengthen relationships between consumers and producers. Similarly, retailfood establishments can utilize these producers, which help support communitiesin more ways than just one.

‍

ChangingConsumer Environments

Radicallychanging the way consumers access healthy food is no easy task. By broadening theunderstanding of a consumer environment, some interesting options becomeavailable.

‍

Mobile vendingmodels offer a way for people to access healthy food closer to home. Licensingat a city and regional level can be expanded to accommodate mobile retailersthat serve healthy foods exclusively. Instead of the standard fish and chips orhot dog stands, units like MobileGood Food Market and MarketMobilecan roam communities that have limited access to healthy food.

‍

When it comesto consumer environments, financial viability is a challenge. A comprehensiveapproach that brings together economic development, community development, andfinancial feasibility can help to mitigate risk.

‍

One suchexample is the “healthycorner store”, a targeted intervention that addresses food insecuritydirectly. Availability, access, and affordability for the consumer are present,with assistance provided to small retailers e.g. strengthening of supply chains.Such interventions support demand and create environments that appeal directlyto consumers.

‍

Local EconomicTools

Economicdevelopment is usually considered on a macro level, with countries fundinginitiatives that are at once innovative and beneficial to its citizens.However, local communities can use tools at their disposal that supportnutrition, sustainability, and economic development.

‍

Localgovernment services, favourable taxation, and practical programs can be used tofoster a culture of innovation for entrepreneurs. Food business incubators arephysical spaces that give entrepreneurs the ability to rent low-cost kitchens.More comprehensive models include business support in the form of marketing,advising expertise for investing, and avenues to acquire capital.

‍

Supportingthese initiatives through incentives can bring healthy food retailers into themainstream. Taxation can be leveraged and used to support targeted initiatives.For example, a tax on sugary beverages can be levied, the proceeds of which canbe used to fund innovation.

‍

CreatingTransparency

Healthy foodoptions are important, but so too is the ability for people to understand whatthey are eating. Labelling policies give people the power to decide what theywould like to eat when they are in the process of making a purchase. This isespecially important when people do decide to eat out.

‍

Labellingguidelines can set expectations, helping to create a culture where people know whatthey are putting in their bodies. Health policy professionals can work with civilsociety groups, businesses, and government to develop guidelines focused ontransparency and nutrition. City councils and roundtables are great forums forthis purpose.

‍

Fed: A NewFood Retail Environment

Bringingtogether public and private actors is no easy task. Altering social norms andcreating a culture of innovation requires time and effort. However, the astronomicalcosts of inaction, both to public health and sustainability, warrant the timeand effort.  

‍

Fed, a nutrition company based in Vancouver, is tackling healthy food access by combining science and technology to improve human health. A personalized approach to nutritionensures that consumers get the healthy meals they need in order to lead ahealthy lifestyle.

‍

Nutritiousmeals are created by food experts, sourcing local ingredients and minimizingwaste. The model, while providing access to healthy meals, also addressessustainability issues within the food industry.

‍

We arecurrently working hard to make Fed a reality, and are aiming to launch later in2017. Sign up now for our mailing list to receive updates and early access toour meals.