Wisconsin Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Plan: Food System

Wisconsin's nutrition environments support and promote healthy eating and healthy weight. Nutrition environments, otherwise known as as the community food system, include food stores (grocery and convenience stores), restaurants, farmers markets, farm stands, gardens, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), and food pantries. Efforts to improve our nutrition environments in Wisconsin are important, as our eating habits are directly affected by the food environments that surround us. Since 2005, many efforts have been underway to expand current programs, create resources for improving access, and document the nutrition environments in Wisconsin communities.

Why Creating Healthy Food Systems Can Make a Difference

Amber Canto, UW-Extension

Food System Strategies, P-00507-6food (PDF)

View the objectives and full list of strategies for implementation in the Community Food System setting.

Key strategies overview

Increase access to and affordability of fruits and vegetables.
Increase access to and promotion of healthy foods in restaurants, food stores, and vending.
Promote access to and consumption of healthful alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages.
Increase access to education and programs that support breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration.

Waupaca Community Gardens

Image associated with link to Waupaca County Community Gardens video

The Waupaca County NuAct Coalition has led the development of a community gardening project that engages community volunteers and donates 100% of its produce to food pantries.

Resources

Got Dirt publication cover showing dirt and a spade with the title: Got Dirt?

Food System Resources: Ideas and materials to implement the key strategies.

Got Access? P-00341 (PDF) A guide for improving fruit and vegetable access in Wisconsin communities.
CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Guide to Fruit and Vegetable Strategies to Increase Access, Availability, and Consumption (PDF)
Got Dirt? Garden Toolkit, P-40112 (PDF)
Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide (PDF)

Data

Chart displaying vegetable consumption in Wisconsin and United States

Key points

Less than one-fourth of Wisconsin adults eat the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Efforts to improve our nutrition environments in Wisconsin are important, as our eating habits are directly affected by the food environments that surround us.