Step 3: Assessing the Environment
By environment we mean physical, social, economic, or communication environment that affect people’s choices about food and physical activity.
An “environmental scan” helps identify the factors in a community that help and/or hinder people from making healthy choices. A variety of tools are available, such as:
- Safety audits of walking and biking routes
- Inventories of healthy food choices in supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants
- Mapping of local food and physical activity resources Documenting access to and affordability of resources
- Policy audits to identify government laws and regulations and the policies of organizations and businesses that relate to healthy eating and physical activity.
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Assessing the Food Environment
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Assessing the Physical Activity Environment
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Assessment Report Example: “Survey of Community Need and Assets Related to Youth Physical Activity and Healthy Eating” (Vermillion, 2010)
