Access to Healthy Foods
Access to healthy food and good nutrition plays a crucial role in a person’s overall health and wellness, yet many populations in Hawaii – such as Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and low-income communities – face significant barriers to securing nutritious food. These groups are disproportionately impacted by factors including food insecurity, and limited access to fresh produce. Without consistent access to healthy food, individuals in these communities are at higher risk for chronic diseases. Addressing these disparities helps to ensure everyone in Hawaii has an opportunity to lead a healthy life. The goal of the Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Plan 2030 Community Design and Access sector is that all of Hawaii’s people will live in communities that have access to healthy food choices and physical activity opportunities, and minimal exposure to unhealthy options through policy, programs, communication, and environmental supports.
Choose Healthy Now Project
Choose Healthy Now increases consumer choice by expanding access to healthy snack and drink options. Stickers and print materials in participating snack shops identify healthier items as those labeled with green stickers. Posters, e-mail reminders, newsletters, taste testing events and small incentive items remind employees to “choose healthy” when visiting these venues.
Aloha Island Mart is implementing the Choose Healthy Now program in their sites across the state. This public/private partnership directly impacts our communities by offering choices to eat healthy and make more informed choices.
SNAP/WIC @ Farmers Markets
The CDPHPD is focused on increasing the number of Farmers Markets across the state that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Womens Infant Children (WIC) Nutrition support programs across the State of Hawai‘i.
Healthy by Default
Daily food and beverage choices have a big impact on the overall health of Hawaiʻi’s children. Good health starts early, restaurants can now support Hawaiʻi’s keiki by providing healthier drinks with their children’s meals!
On January 1, 2020 Act 138, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 321-30.3 went into effect, ensuring that healthy beverages are the default option in children’s meals, if they include a beverage for a single price. This law helps to promote healthy beverage options for children, reduce health risks associated with sugar consumption, and support parents’ efforts to give their children nutritious drinks.
Restaurants that serve a children’s meal with a beverage for a single price can visit https://healthybydefault.hawaii.gov/ to self-certify that they comply with the law.
Please visit https://health.hawaii.gov/san/healthy-by-default/ to download the answers to frequently asked questions on the healthy default beverage law.
Produce Prescription (PRx)
PRx programs are a way for health care workers to prescribe fruits and vegetables, usually through providing vouchers to purchase them, for patients managing chronic diseases and lacking access to nutritious foods. The PRx’s may be used in the health care setting or at local farmers’ markets, brick-and-mortar or online grocery stores, or mobile markets. Many programs also offer nutrition education opportunities (source: CDC, 2024). The CDPHPD is supporting the implementation and expansion of PRx programs at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in priority communities and prioritizing the expansion of PRx eligibility to include the most vulnerable food insecure participants.
Healthy Hawai’i Guidelines for Food Banks and Pantries
A collaborative effort is underway to finalize guidelines to promote healthy food donations and the purchase of healthy food in Hawai‘i food banks and pantries. Stakeholders are convening to finalize and begin implementation of the Healthy Hawai’i Guidelines for Food Banks and Pantries.
