The U.S. enjoys one of the most plentiful and diverse food supplies in human history. Yet in many under-resourced communities, access to healthy food remains far from guaranteed. In some places, as many as 1 in 4 households experience food insecurity. Residents may have easy access to packaged snacks but struggle to find—or cannot afford—the fresh, nutritious foods needed to feel well and prevent chronic disease. The most vulnerable live with continual worry about feeding their families.

Launched with support from The Walmart Foundation, LISC’s Healthy Food Access Program (HFAP) works to cultivate healthier food systems, one community at a time. It starts with small, grassroots organizations that understand local needs. The HFAP gives them technical assistance and grants of about $100,000 to significantly bolster their own, homegrown food-access solutions, including:

Since 2023 the HFAP has helped 14 organizations advance food independence by bringing people together to produce and share foods—from kalo to collard greens—that connect them to the land, respect their food traditions, and promote wellness through capacity building initiatives.