In 2012, a Fresno State study led by Dr. John Capitman found that residents living in Southwest Fresno live roughly twenty years less than those in wealthier parts of the city. The issues contributing to this disparity are complex, multi-faceted, and interconnected. Two of these factors, environmental hazards and limited access to nutritious foods, have produced exceptionally poor health conditions for residents of this neighborhood.
Southwest Fresno families must travel outside of the community to access quality produce. This required travel contributes to Southwest Fresno being one of the unhealthiest air quality regions in the Fresno metropolitan area. A lack of access to healthy, readily-available food contributes to significant and detrimental health effects such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, and autoimmune disorders.
Southwest Holistic Health Project
Through the Southwest Holistic Health Project, Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) is working to address these issues.
The Southwest Holistic Health Project’s objective is to improve the overall health and well-being of residents by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through local, quality food options. Providing further access points to healthy fruits and vegetables will allow residents to travel by vehicle less, thus reducing the carbon footprint and increasing the life expectancy of residents in Southwest Fresno. The project involves two key components: 1) the development of community gardens and 2) education on food insecurity and healthy eating. ENP has received a $75,000 grant through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program to carry out a demonstration program which will launch the Southwest Holistic Health Project.
