HEALTHY CLEVELAND COUNTY STORE INITIATIVE: ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY IN FEMALE-LED, SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS IN CLEVELAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Food insecurity is associated with poor built environment. Cleveland County, North Carolina has a high incidence of chronic disease which residents attribute to food insecurity. Approximately 17% of households suffer from food insecurity, which disproportionately affects female-led, single-parent households. The Healthy Cleveland County Store Initiative (HCCSI) is an evidenced-based program designed to combat food insecurity by increasing accessibility of healthy foods and nutrition education. To achieve this, the HCCSI will: 1) collaborate with frequented convenience stores to increase the number of nutrient-dense foods available on shelves, 2) increase WIC eligibility and value in selected stores, and 3) conduct nutrition classes to educate residents about the relationship between healthy eating and health outcomes. The intervention aims to empower female-led, single-parent households with nutrition resources in their built environment and to offer them the opportunity to enhance their family’s health by reducing food insecurity and its associated chronic disease burden.Master of Public Healt