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STRIDE in the Community

A few years ago, student researchers at STRIDE had the privilege of conducting a comprehensive food security study among more than 800 community members in San Luis Obispo County. The term "food security" describes the ability to acquire an adequate amount of nutritious food necessary to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This study revealed that families with limited resources often go hungry while trying to pay rent or medication costs. It’s not hard to understand how healthy, fresh and nutritious foods get bumped out of the grocery cart by cheaper, higher calorie, nutrient-poor convenience foods. One possible solution is to help those challenged with food security to shop at area farmers markets.

Working through the San Luis Obispo County Food System Coalition, STRIDE has partnered with community programs — including the Women, Infants and Children Program; University of California Cooperative Extension; Department of Social Services; Food Bank Coalition; the North County Farmers’ Markets Association and The Grange's farmers market — to support the sustainability and expansion of the use of Cal Fresh, California’s food stamp program, at local markets. Using food assistance benefits like CalFresh at farmers markets is a win-win for all concerned and has succeeded in various parts of the country.

Through their monthly food benefits, individuals receive better access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables, which can improve food security and overall health and potentially lower the likelihood of nutrition-related diseases. Farmers see increased sales, which improves the viability of farming and may keep land in agricultural use for fresh and local produce production. In addition, our community’s social fabric is strengthened as county residents from all backgrounds interact and shop together.

The SLO County Food System Electronic Benefit Transfer work group meets monthly. If this work speaks to you and you would like to join us in our efforts to increase access to healthy food, please contact us at stride@calpoly.edu or 805-756- 0673.

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