According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals and families with limited access to healthy foods may experience health concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular conditions, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. These health concerns lead to an estimated $1,800 increase in annual medical costs per person. Food insecurity is preventable and, when addressed at the individual level, reduces the indirect effects, such as increased medical costs and chronic health issues.
This food security assessment aims to identify the food-related needs of individuals living in Onslow County and make recommendations to meet these needs. The assessment encompasses a basic framework, including a community profile overview, an outline of the local food system, and a summary of transportation availability within Onslow County. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the Community Survey and Focus Groups as a basis for developing recommendations and providing broader access to food across the county.
