A Growing Problem
Many Arizonans struggle with food issues.
Whether it's access to healthy food or making good nutritional choices, geographical diversity and rapid population growth add to the complexity of this problem. Currently, more than 28.2% of Arizona children are living with food insecurity.
What You Need to Know
National Struggles Arizona is Currently Dealing With
For some people money is the issue, others have limiting access to food, and for some it's making healthy choices.
Food Insecurity
According to the Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity is the lack of access by all members of a family at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Food Desert
Areas that lack access to affordable foods necessary to maintaining a healthy diet, such as fruits, vegetables and milk. According to the USDA, Maricopa Country, Arizona's largest county, contains 55 food deserts.
Working Poor
People living at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is $40,800 for a family of four. A staggering 1 in 3 Arizonans, or 2.02 million individuals, out of an estimated 6.36 are considered working poor.
Overweight
Many Arizonans struggle to get and remain healthy. With approximately 65% of residents overweight, keeping chronic conditions at bay is something our entire community should focus on.
The Growing Health Problem in Arizona
Many Arizonans struggle to access healthy food and make good nutritional choices. Geographical diversity and rapid population growth add to the complexity of this problem.
Many Arizonans living with this food insecurity struggle to get and remain healthy, leading to high rates of obesity and chronic diseases. This health issue affects our entire health system.
Approximately 65% of Arizona residents are overweight.
65% Overweight
More than 28% of Arizonans drink at least one can, bottle or glass of soda per day.
28% Drink Soda Daily
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 7% of Arizonans have limited access to healthy food because they do not have a grocery store within their community.
7% Limited Food Access
You can make a difference
Start making changes to how you and other Arizonans live.
See What You Can Do