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The Access to Healthy Foods Coalition is a partnership of businesses, industries, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working to positively influence health and nutrition by improving access to healthier foods where Washington citizens live, learn, work and play.

Today food is readily abundant in the U.S., yet our citizens and children suffer high rates of malnutrition, nutrition related disease and obesity. Access strives through partnerships with other organizations to increase opportunities to purchase and consume healthy, nutritious foods that will lead to improved health and quality of life.

Access works to improve the availability of healthier foods:

Where We Live…in retail stores, military posts, restaurants, convenience stores, public health agencies, food assistance programs and more.

Where We Learn…in childcare centers, K-12, colleges, universities and senior centers.

Where We Work…in private and government businesses and healthcare facilities.

Where We Play…in recreation and community centers, stadiums and amusement parks.

Access believes people can and will make positive choices when faced with food decisions if healthy foods are available, affordable and culturally-appropriate. Initiated in 2003 through the Washington State Department of Health to implement the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan, our goals quickly grew to address hunger and nutrition issues and the need for access to healthy foods. Efforts led to:

DSHS mobile offices to provide food stamps

A transportation study which became the basis for a series of pilot projects to improve distribution of healthy foods through Washington’s food bank network.

Mobile readers (EBTs) for WIC use at Farmers Markets

The legislature’s Farm to School program at WSDA

The Northwest Healthy Foods Expo for buyers and suppliers of healthy foods

A series of free Food Policy Council workshops

Increased collaboration among groups sharing similar goals

By supporting Access, you can help change the environment where food is available and influence policy and decision makers to address the changes needed.

News of progress in advancing healthy food access through the Bites e-newsletter

Notification of Access programs and events

A network of professionals in the health, wellness, food, consumer and transportation industries

Strategic alliance opportunities with like-minded companies and individuals

A chance to support and grow health and wellness in your community

Join Access and other businesses, organizations, agencies and individuals making a difference in the health and well-being of all Washington citizens. Become a member by emailing your name, affiliation (if any), street address, phone number and preferred email address to: info@accesstohealthyfoods.org.

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