Food Access

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Projects

• Assessing the Impact and Feasibility of WIC Remote Services and Expanded Food Options

  The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated barriers to participation in the WIC program, since people were encouraged or required to stay home and grocery stores experienced shortages of food items. Washington State’s WIC program has been actively re-tooling service delivery prior to and at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic to overcome participation barriers. This project...

  Project Lead/PI: Jennifer Otten

  Research Area(s): Food Access

• COVID-19 Food Access among American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes in WA State: The value of food sovereignty

  The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and their main sources of economic support. Tribal reservations have seen higher infection rates compared to neighboring areas and the closure of gaming and hospitality businesses has removed some of the vital economic lifelines. Many tribal communities are struggling to meet basic food needs,...

  Project Lead/PI: Jennifer Otten

  Research Area(s): Food Access

• Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Systems, Food Security, and Food Access in Washington State

  Initial Findings Now Available Initial findings from the 2020 Washington State Food Security Survey (WAFOOD) are now available. Read a summary of initial findings Download the brief (PDF) About the Project The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted multiple components of the food system, affecting the food supply and greatly reducing consumer purchasing power. Food production, processing,...

  Project Lead/PI: Jennifer Otten Adam Drewnowski

  Research Area(s): Food Access, Food Systems & Nutrition

• City of Seattle Food Access Spending Farm Economy Analysis

  This project measures the economic impact of City of Seattle spending on food access programs on local farmers, and on the local farm economy. The purpose of this report is to measure the economic impact of City of Seattle spending on food access programs on local farmers, and on the local farm economy. This analysis...

  Research Area(s): Food Access

• Fish, health, and vulnerable populations: Exploring the Potential for Policy and Diet Solutions

  On the US West Coast, rich and underutilized fishery resources exist alongside low income, nutritionally vulnerable populations. This pilot project aimed to examine the potential scope and mechanisms for improved utilization of available seafood to improve diets and reduce incidence of non-communicable disease burdens in poor and marginalized US coastal communities. It had the following...

  Project Lead/PI: Jennifer Otten

  Research Area(s): Food Access, Food Systems & Nutrition, Global Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health

• Evaluation Support for Washington State’s Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) initiative in Farmers Markets

  One barrier to healthy eating for people with low incomes can be the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. The Washington State Department of Health has implemented a statewide large-scale Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) initiative since 2015 to make it easier for low-income participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to...

  Project Lead/PI: Donna B. Johnson Jennifer Otten

  Research Area(s): Food & Nutrition Policy, Food Access

Recently Added Resources

• WAFOOD Survey Brief #1: Economic Security and Food Access in Washington State During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Published September 9, 2020, this brief report assesses income/food assistance, food security, and food access before and since the COVID-19 pandemic from June to July 2020. Initial Findings A total of 2,621 WA residents in 38 of 39 counties responded. This brief provides a snapshot of survey participant responses, including alarmingly high rates of food...

  Research Area(s): Food Access

• Is Amazon Really Making Healthy Foods Affordable?

  Evaluation of food pricing on Amazon comparing nutrient-dense, whole foods vs. processed foods and beverages. Materials were published as part of work associated with the Seattle Obesity Study.

  Research Area(s): Food Access, Social Determinants of Health

• How Farmers Markets Can Promote Access to Healthy Food

  A look at how population groups and farmers markets interact.

  Research Area(s): Food Access