Healthy Food Access

Eating healthy foods is the cornerstone of a vibrant, thriving community. A well-nourished population contributes to improved overall health, reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and enhanced well-being. By promoting healthy eating, we aim to foster an environment where every resident has the opportunity to live their best life. 

Existing Programs Include:  

Community feedback during the development of the Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted food insecurity and emphasized the need for better food access.  The City allocated $5 million of ARPA funding to explore additional methods of bringing nutritious and affordable food options to city residents, including developing a community-wide food system plan; alternative and non-traditional retail strategies to increase access to healthy foods and a robust communication and marketing plan to support small neighborhood grocers.

ARPA funded Initiatives: 

 

These efforts aim to "invest in activities that increase healthy food access for low-income residents and/or in areas with limited healthy food retail."  

ARPA projects are being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21SLFRP0181 awarded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.