Access to healthy food and environments for physical activity are key factors that influence health. NYAM works closely with policy makers and community partners to develop evidence-based policies and programs that create healthy communities by addressing opportunities for healthy food production, distribution and availability, as well as safe and convenient places to be active.
Selected Work
Food Policy and Food Insecurity in NYC
In 2019 NYAM received four-year funding from the National Institutes of Health to conduct a social network analysis with organizations in New York City (NYC) implementing food and nutrition programming. The goal is to examine how strong community partnerships can improve public health outcomes for limited-resource populations. The study also seeks to understand the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in NYC.
The Public Plate in New York State: Growing Health, Farms and Jobs with Local Food
Boosting public spending on fresh foods grown on New York State farms and served in schools, childcare centers, older adult centers, food pantries and other institutions has the potential to improve health for more than six million New Yorkers, while increasing economic opportunities across the state. NYAM partnered with American Farmland Trust to investigate the purchasing of local foods by New York State institutions and identify opportunities to improve food procurement policies and practices in ways that will benefit communities across the state.
Read the Report
Diet-Related Interventions to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death for adults in the U.S. NYAM is currently in partnership with Mt. Sinai on an NIH-funded four-year research project to inform diet-related interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases across New York City. The project, entitled Assessment of Policies through Prediction of Long-term Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Using Simulation (APPLE CDS), aims to develop computer simulation analytics to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an array of food policies and programs across different NYC neighborhoods.
Designing a Strong and Healthy NYC (DASH-NYC)
NYAM is working with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to investigate and spread community-based approaches to promoting health and health equity. We co-led the Designing a Strong and Healthy New York City (DASH-NYC) Workgroup, engaging partners from multiple sectors and incorporating a health across all policies approach to chronic disease prevention activities throughout NYC. In 2018, we launched a Public Service Announcement campaign, “Health Happens Outside the Doctor’s Office,” to raise awareness and provide resources related to the many elements that can influence health, including, for example, healthy food. We have also developed a resource guide for those looking to spread or scale proven community-level interventions to improve access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity in NYC neighborhoods.
Visit DASH-NYC Microsite
Evaluation of Wellness Rising Program
Wellness Rising, a pilot program of the Brooklyn-based RiseBoro Community Partnership, offers health promotion services in English and Spanish to individuals with—or at risk of—hypertension and diabetes. Funded through the New York State Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program, Wellness Rising provides clinical, nutritional and lifestyle interventions through nursing and community health worker (CHW) consultations, group health talks, subsidized farm share boxes, exercise classes, home visits, and nutrition education. NYAM conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the program. The results showed a number of positive impacts, including improved general health, improved blood pressure, reduced social isolation, and increased knowledge and skills with respect to disease management, nutrition and food preparation. Program success was attributed to staff willingness to assist with a wide range of challenges that participants faced, including challenges related to the social determinants of health, and the range of program components, including the CHWs, nursing, and farm share.
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