Health Incentive: Reducing Waist Size while Expanding Wallet Size

Meagher, Sean

Item

Health Incentive: Reducing Waist Size while Expanding Wallet Size

Meagher, Sean

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Over 10% of Adults and 18% of children are Food insecure in Franklin County and nearly a third of the population lives in households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, an indicator which offers a glimpse of individuals who may lack resources to meet basic needs. The implications of food insecurity and access to healthy food are significant. Diets low in healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contribute to the high rates of chronic diseases and impact mental health. The Health Incentive Program(HIP) of Massachusetts was created to increase access to fruits and vegetables by providing a 100% reimbursement for SNAP users at participating locations. However, the program is grossly underutilized, thus the aim of this project was to create an educational brochure to improve utilization of HIP and increase access to healthy foods.