Since 2018, the Rural Health and Nutrition Extension team has implemented the Healthy Options Program (HOP). In partnership with the Clemson University Department of Public Health Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control, the program aims to improve health and well-being in communities experiencing high obesity rates.
Working hand in hand with community-based organizations and stakeholders across 10 counties, the HOP team uses evidence-based strategies to increase access to healthy foods, and safe, convenient, vibrant places for physical activity. In the past seven years, the HOP team has worked with 19 food service organizations to adopt healthy nutrition policies and activities. Access to nutritious foods has been improved by implementing 13 community gardens. Additionally, the team has worked with 8 farmers markets and other community organizations to increase locations accepting SNAP and other food vouchers. The earliest HOP work took place in three counties. The team focused their efforts on helping local groups to increase the number of locations for healthy foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, work was done to develop plans for increasing the number of walkable, connected destinations. HOP work has now expanded to 10 counties. Currently, the team works with food selling entities to set policies for serving or selling healthy food options and expanding SNAP acceptance.
