Dear Indiana Legislators:  

      We, the undersigned, hereby request that the Indiana legislature conduct a study on healthy food initiatives and food access in Indiana.  As you may recall HB1077 (sponsored by Rep. Robin Shackleford) and SB15 (sponsored by Sen. Randall Head) addressed these issues during the legislative session. 

Listed are startling facts that support the growing concern regarding food deserts and healthy food access Indiana. 

• According to the USDA (March 2015) 59% of Indiana counties are classified as food deserts (low income and low access). 
• In March 2014 according to Walk Score, Indianapolis ranked the worst in the nation for percentage of people who have easy access to food.

2013 Community Food Assessment and Inventory key findings indicate:

• Purchasing large amounts of food at gas stations and fast food restaurants.
  -Cooking at home infrequently--Only 1% cooked at home daily.
  -Only 39% lived within 10 minutes of a grocery store vs. 63% lived within 10   minutes of a convenience store and 65% within 10 minutes of a fast food restaurant.
  -54% listed cost as a barrier to eating healthy foods
• Although food deserts are mostly associated as an urban concern, rural communities share the same concerns.
• Rural areas risk becoming “food deserts” as young families move away and market pressures continue to squeeze small grocers and retailers.
• Many do not consume adequate amounts of fresh fruits or vegetables and they often lack adequate dairy and protein.
• A “Food Trust” study shows 75 cases where the individual BMI of teens living in food deserts began to gradually drop over time once fresh foods were introduced into the community.
• 85% of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry clients buy less expensive, normally processed, foods even though they are aware that they are unhealthy foods.
• 30% of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry clients admit to watering down food and formula in an effort to provide for their families.

Food access is directly tied to nutritional food choices that individuals make. Poor nutrition is directly linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease that continue to impact Hoosiers across the state, and disproportionately impact minorities.  A study on issue will give both the legislature and constituents the information needed to take action and effectively address the problem. The health of our communities must be a priority.