Food in the Hub: Bostonians Need Healthier Options
A healthy diet is a key factor to reducing risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, but many Bostonians have limited healthy food options in their neighborhoods.
BWH, in collaboration with the City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission and The Food Project, last month called together leaders to address this issue. “Food in the Hub: A Summit on Access to Affordable Healthy Food” was held at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury.
“The summit engaged key stakeholders in the identification and development of strategies to improve access to affordable healthy food in Boston in four areas: healthcare, community, policy and food systems,” said Paula Johnson, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Women’s Health and executive director of Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino kicked off the day-long event for 90 attendees, who broke off into strategy and visioning sessions during the afternoon. Summit working groups laid the groundwork for a detailed report of action steps, which is expected to be released and launched during the summer.
“This broad coalition of leaders together will develop a clear, comprehensive, coordinated action plan to address this issue,” Johnson said.
John Auerbach, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, pledged cooperation in this effort. “We look forward to continuing to work on the important area of food access to bring a new level of healthy food options for more Bostonians,” he said.