Why are we focusing on eating healthy?
Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. Take small steps each week to improve your nutrition and move toward a healthier you.
How do people living in Henry County rank in 2023?
Healthy Food Access & Awareness was one of the top health priorities identified in the 2023 Community Health Assessment for Henry County.
The availability of healthy, affordable foods contributes to a person’s diet and risk of related chronic diseases. People with healthy eating habits live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. For people with chronic diseases, healthy eating can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.
The 2023 County Health Rankings indicate that 37% of adults in Henry County are already obese, up from 33% the year before and obesity/overweight was the 2nd top health concern in the 2023 Henry County Community Health Survey.
Surprisingly, Iowa ranks last in the nation in fruit and vegetable consumption. According to the most recent CDC Indicators, 41.5% of adults and 44.6% of adolescents in Iowa report consuming fruits less than one time daily. 23% of adults and 43.1% of adolescents report consuming vegetables less than one time daily.
What are we doing to promote healthy eating?
Local Produce Options
There are a variety of ways to find and grow local produce!
5-2-1-0 Campaign
5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! is a nationally recognized and evidenced-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits. The goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change.
Eating Healthy At Home
Find articles, resources, and tips for eating healthy while staying at home.
Eating Healthy At Events
We started working with major county events to help identify and promote healthy choices.