Chattanooga Sustainable Food Center: An Overview

According to Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC; 2018), heart diseases and cancers are the leading cause of death in Tennessee (TN). There are more than 16,000 cases of death due to heart diseases and more than 1,900 new cases of diabetes every year in TN. The latest data shows that 36% of adults are overweight and 31% have obesity in TN. Additionally, more than 45% of adults reported consuming fruits less than one time daily, and 24% reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily in TN. Research have showed that healthy food choices such as increase fruits and vegetables intakes have a protective role in chronic disease and obesity prevention. Several U.S. communities lack environmental factors that could support healthy food chooses and eating practices (CDC, 2018; USDA, 2017). This report explores a local organization in Chattanooga, TN (Chattanooga Sustainable Food Center; CSFC) that works to improve agriculture environment and food system in the community. The center collaborates with local farmers, producers, and community members to increase access to locally grown foods, provide nutrition education, and inspire engagement in regional agriculture