Empowering North Carolina Communities to Improve Health Through Local Solutions
The Healthy ROOTS Initiative is a cooperative agreement between NC State University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) High Obesity Program, which supports land-grant university partnerships to implement policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to improve community health.
Our mission is to increase equitable access to healthy foods and safe, convenient physical activity opportunities across rural and underserved communities in 10 North Carolina counties, further supporting long-term improvements in health and well-being for all.
Healthy ROOTS Initiative Counties
Our Healthy ROOTS team at NC State University closely partners with NC Cooperative Extension and the county-based Extension center staff in each project county. We also partner with:
Local stakeholders and community organizations and agencies to co-design solutions grounded in community needs.
Health systems and clinics to provide patient referrals for nutritional support initiatives, such as produce prescription and voucher incentives.
Early care and education programs to strengthen nutrition and physical activity standards.
By leveraging community assets and leadership, Healthy ROOTS supports measurable improvements in community health infrastructure and opportunities while cultivating long-lasting partnerships.
Our Approach
North Carolina’s Healthy ROOTS Initiative works with local partners in targeted counties to:
Expand access to nutritious, affordable foods through produce prescription and fruit and vegetable voucher programs.
Improve physical activity environments, including parks, trails, shared use facilities, and active transportation routes through quick-builds, pop-ups, and shared use agreements.
Strengthen obesity prevention standards in early care and education settings, with an emphasis on Head Start programs.
Build community capacity to implement evidence-based strategies that support healthy eating and active living.
Our approach is rooted in listening to community priorities and tailoring solutions that reflect local challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the Healthy ROOTS Initiative emphasizes sustainable, community-level change rather than focusing exclusively on individual behavior. Core strategies include:
Policy
Change
Supporting local adoption of nutrition standards in food pantries, and early childhood care and education settings.
Promoting shared use agreements to open school and community facilities for physical activity.
Systems
Change
Integrating health and nutrition priorities across sectors such as education, planning, transportation, and health care.
Strengthening referral networks between health providers and food security programs.
Environmental
Change
Improving built environments to support safe walking, biking, recreation, and playground access.
Enhancing food environments through farmers markets, healthy corner store initiatives, and produce incentive programs.
These changes aim to reduce barriers to health and create environments where choosing nutritious foods and staying active are more accessible for everyone.
Join Us in Creating Healthy ROOTS in Your Community
Whether you are a resident, local leader, community organization, or health partner, your involvement matters. Explore resources, participate in planning dialogues, or connect with the Healthy ROOTS team to take part in transformative work that builds stronger, healthier communities throughout North Carolina.