Building Health Capacity in Oklahoma's Urban Areas
GrantID: 3522
Grant Funding Amount Low: $50,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $500,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Nutrition Technology in Oklahoma
Oklahoma faces critical challenges related to food insecurity and dietary health, evident from the 2021 report by Feeding America, which states that around 14.3% of Oklahoma's population experience food insecurities. Rural areas, in particular, struggle with access to grocery stores that offer fresh produce, while urban locales often have neighborhoods classified as food deserts, limiting residents' ability to make healthy dietary choices. This situation is compounded by high levels of poverty, with many families unable to afford fresh foods consistently.
Local families are particularly affected by these barriers, especially low-income households that often substitute fresh produce with cheaper processed food options lacking essential nutrients. The reliance on unhealthy foods has led to alarming levels of obesity and related health issues like diabetes and hypertension in Oklahoma, contributing to a public health crisis that the state desperately needs to address.
The funding available for evaluating the impact of programs aimed at improving dietary health presents an opportunity to harness technology in promoting better eating habits. As part of this initiative, Oklahoma is exploring the creation of mobile applications designed specifically for families. These apps will provide users with resources like nutrition tracking tools and healthy recipes that emphasize easy access to fruits and vegetables. By integrating technology into dietary education, the state aims to make healthy eating engaging and accessible for all families, particularly those facing food insecurity.
Through these apps, families will not only learn about healthy recipes but also track their fruit and vegetable consumption to ensure they meet dietary recommendations. The initiative will also include features that connect users with local farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programs, which are crucial for improving access to fresh produce in both rural and urban settings.
In Oklahoma, the expectation is that these technological tools will create a significant shift in dietary habits by leveraging the familiarity and accessibility of mobile technology. As families begin to use these resources, the state anticipates improvement in overall health outcomes, reducing the long-term healthcare costs associated with diet-related illnesses. The focus on technology represents an innovative approach to addressing widespread dietary health issues while promoting community resilience in the face of food insecurity.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
