While most residents of Morris County have access to exercise opportunities at recreation and fitness facilities, or parks, the food environment is less than ideal to support healthy eating for all.  Morris County has a high density (number of establishments for the population) of fast food restaurants and liquor stores, with a less than ideal number of grocery stores.  Grocery stores (including supermarkets, but not convenience stores) are recognized as providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as several cook-at-home staples that are often healthier and more affordable than what is found at convenience stores.  In Morris County, both children and individuals over the age of 65, have particularly low access to grocery stores.  Of the grocery stores that do exist in Morris County, not many of them accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, which may limit access to these grocery stores to certain low-income populations. Farmers markets are present in the county, and could be used to fill the gaps.

Beyond spaces for dedicated exercise, built environment features that support active living are important to health as well.  Limited direct data is available on this topic.  However, we do know that in Morris County, 43% of residents drive more than 30 minutes to work each day, which leads to higher rates of physical inactivity (County Health Rankings/American Community Survey). Town-level walkability data, describing how easy and safe it is to walk to nearby destinations, is available from www.walkscore.com.

 

The food environment in Union county supports healthy eating.  There are plenty of grocery stores (including supermarkets, but not convenience stores), which seem to be available to all residents (e.g. those 65 and older, children, those using SNAP benefits to purchase food). Farmers markets are an available resource, but there could be more given the population size.  One of the biggest negatives in the food environment in Union County is the high density of liquor stores. Most residents of Union County have access to exercise opportunities at recreation and fitness facilities, or parks.

Beyond spaces for dedicated exercise, built environment features that support active living are important to health as well.  Limited direct data is available on this topic.  However, we do know that in Union County, 39% of residents drive more than 30 minutes to work each day, which leads to higher rates of physical inactivity (County Health Rankings/American Community Survey). Town-level walkability data is available from www.walkscore.com.

 

While most residents of Sussex County have access to exercise opportunities at recreation and fitness facilities, or parks, the food environment is less than ideal to support healthy eating for all.  Sussex County has a high density (number of establishments for the population) of fast food restaurants and liquor stores, with a less than ideal number of grocery stores.  Grocery stores (including supermarkets, but not convenience stores) are recognized as providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as several cook-at-home staples that are often healthier and more affordable than what is found at convenience stores.  In Sussex County, both children and individuals over the age of 65, have particularly low access to grocery stores.  Of the grocery stores that do exist in Sussex County, not many of them accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, which may limit access to these grocery stores to certain low-income populations.  The county could also benefit from additional farmers markets.

Beyond spaces for dedicated exercise, built environment features that support active living are important to health as well.  Limited direct data is available on this topic.  However, we do know that in Sussex County, 65% of residents drive more than 30 minutes to work each day, which leads to higher rates of physical inactivity (County Health Rankings/American Community Survey). Town-level walkability data is available from www.walkscore.com.

 

 

 

Healthier Role Models for Healthier Students

"It is with great pride and admiration that I submit this article on behalf of my school: Frankford Township School (FTS). 

As a School Nurse I strive to promote healthy choices and healthy lifestyles for my students, their families, and my school community. I realized that to be successful, I must exemplify those principles that I promote. I was motivated to make changes because of my school/work environment.

FTS has many healthy activities for students and staff. Activities such as Jump for Heart, Family Fun Night, Student/Faculty Basketball Game, Dances with WII, a side Volleyball or Basketball court, the Optical Academy, Chef for a Day, and a current plan for building an integrative greenhouse on campus, are only a few of the many ways the school reaches out to the students and the families and incorporates good health. The school also has a Wellness Committee. I joined the committee and learned how programs, established right here at the school, are also encouraged for staff. These programs include Weight Watchers, Cross Fit/Self Defense classes, Zumba classes, Walking Club, Yoga classes, Biometric Screenings, staff Volleyball games, staff softball games, staff kickball games, 10 minute exercise burst classes, and are but only a few of the many opportunities available to staff.

Children learn best by modeling those around them. Frankford Township School is a fine representation of how to successfully teach healthy life choices by example."

 

 

What Needs to Change

• “There needs to be more programs that address the needs of the homeless population.”
• “[We need] more affordable housing.”
• “We missed an opportunity for bike lanes, walking paths on our streets.”
• “Having a park or trail within walking distance of people's homes. Have a farm market or distribution center for local fresh foods within a 10 min drive of people's homes.”

• “Transportation expansion.”

• “More community gardens.”

• “Improved transportation for low-income, seniors, and people with disabilities.”

• “We need more bike lanes; more community gardens; better transportation.”

• “We need neighborhood gardening areas.”

 

To download the full Key Informant results, click here.

 

 

 

 

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