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Many factors influence our health in our day-to-day life. These factors include access to food, safe housing, transportation, and much more. In Jacksonville, we have a lack of access to healthy foods as well as poor transportation and housing conditions. By looking at the data collected, we can strive to improve our future and provide better opportunities for everyone. Our community needs to be one of support and connection.
Distance From Social Areas
In Jacksonville, it is much easier for us to get to fast food versus healthy food options. About 34% of the population of Jacksonville is within a 1/2 mile of a fast-food place compared to 27.6% being within a half mile of healthy food. While in Florida, the average amount of people within a half mile of fast food comes to 27.7% compared to 29.9% being within a half mile of healthy food. When having access to fast food is easier than healthy food options, it negatively affects the health of those who have a harder time getting transportation.
Access To Food and Trails
sources: Population Living Within ½ Mile of a Healthy Food Source - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS and Population Living Within ½ Mile of a Healthy Food Source - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS and Population Living Within ½ Mile of a Park - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS and Population Living Within ½ Mile of an Off-Street Trail System - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS
Access To Food
In many areas of Jacksonville, access to fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins is limited, with residents often relying on corner stores and fast-food chains as their primary sources of sustenance. With a lack of full-service grocery stores offering affordable, healthy options, leaving residents with few choices beyond processed, high-calorie foods that contribute to poor dietary habits. Jacksonville has seen a steady decline in food insecurity from 2017 to 2021. This means that more people in Jacksonville are getting access to enough food to live a healthy life. More access to food means families have a higher rate of living a healthy life.
Food Insecurity Rates For Children
Source: Child Food Insecurity Rate - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS
Assistance For Citizens
Many organizations and city programs have different qualifications for beneficiaries in order to receive assistance. This presents a challenge for people seeking help. By making these programs easily accessible we can hope to improve citizens in getting to where they need to be. Through initiatives such as emergency housing assistance, food distribution programs, and healthcare navigation services, Jacksonville's social assistance programs work to uplift and empower those facing adversity, fostering a more resilient and compassionate city for all.
Households Receiving Food Stamps
Source: Households Receiving Cash Public Assistance or Food Stamps (Census ACS) - FL Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS