FOOD AND NUTRITION

Food and Nutrition Result statement: All people in Cleveland County have equitable access and awareness to resources encouraging healthy food choices.

Food and Nutrition Action Plans

Current initiatives:

• The coalition’s partnership with the Foothills Farmers’ Market aims to improve local food access through SNAP/EBT card services and incentives. Our partnership provides shoppers with one dollar towards SNAP-eligible purchase, for every dollar of SNAP benefits spent at the market, up to $10 each market day. This doubles the SNAP customer’s buying power so they can purchase more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods at the market. EBT is now accepted at both Kings Mountain and Shelby markets.
• Efforts for community garden collaboration are in full swing to provide fresh produce to existing food pantries. The initial step is creating a comprehensive inventory of community gardens across Cleveland County. Are you aware of a community garden in your area? Share your knowledge by filling out the brief survey provided below or encourage the garden leader to do so. Your input will enable us to compile a precise list of existing community gardens, understand their mission, beneficiaries, opportunities, and challenges, and identify potential solutions. Link to survey: Cleveland County Community Gardens
• According to the 2019 Cleveland County Community Health Assessment, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death for 40-64 years olds in Cleveland County.  Prediabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can often be reversed! Healthy Together Cleveland supports evidence-based intervention programs that allow Cleveland County residents to attend a program for FREE, if they meet eligibility requirements. Washington Outreach Ministry in partnership with a local pharmacist and the YMCA will offer Diabetes, Education, Maintenance and Control (DEMAC) program and the YMCA will offer T2 Diabetes Prevention. These programs promote healthy eating and active living.
• In partnership with the Cleveland County Health Department, the coalition supports The Med-South Lifestyle Program (MSLP)  - an evidence-based, behavior change intervention that translates a Mediterranean dietary pattern for the Southeastern U.S. population.