Due to a downturn in the economy, Manitowoc County pantry managers belonging to FEED Manitowoc County (Food, Essential, and Empowerment with Dignity) identified a significant increase in the number of residents accessing food pantries, particular first-time users including middle-class families and individuals.

​

Along with the need to improve food security, analyzing data on the selection of foods made by high school students in Manitowoc County provides insights into the need for nutrition education. According to 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, when asked how many times fruit was consumed in the last seven days, the responses were: I did not eat fruit during the past 7 days 8.0%, 1 to 3 times in the past week 30.9%, 4 to 6 times in the past week 24.6 %, 1 time per day 12.5%, 2 times per day 12.5%, 3 times per day 5.6%, and 4 or more times per day 4.7%.  Coupled with similar responses to the frequency of vegetable consumption, this demonstrates the need to focus efforts on high school students to eat more fruits and vegetables.

​

​In a January 2011 presentation, Supporting Community Coalitions to Prevent Obesity, Wisconsin statistics indicate obesity rates are at “epidemic proportions and rising”.  One in three low-income Wisconsin 2-4 year-olds are overweight or obese, one in four high school students are overweight or obese, and two out of three adults are overweight or obese.

​

The Healthiest Manitowoc County Activity and Nutrition Coalition hosted a strategic planning session in March 2011 to determine where to focus their efforts.​​

​

The results of participant input provided specificity:

• Education related to nutrition/food preparation/grocery shopping/and activity
• Providing food security for all residents
• Creating a general clearinghouse for nutrition and activity information and resources. 
• Filling voids of activity created by public sector cutbacks and assuring economically diverse residents have sufficient options to enhance their activity level.

Nutrition Goals:

•       By 2020, 50% of the food vendors at Farmer’s Markets in Manitowoc County will accept EBT cards.
            Residents will have an increased selection of fruits and vegetables and the education needed to make 
            healthy food choices at five pantries.  
   
•      By 2020, fifteen percent of high school students will report eating two servings of fruit and two servings of
           vegetables daily. Seventy percent of adults will report eating two or more fruits per day and 30% will
           report eating three or more vegetables per day. 
   
•      By 2020, Manitowoc County will have received a Well County designation from the Wellness Councils of
           America.

​

Activity Goals:

•      53% of adults will report engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes daily, five days
          per week. By 2020, 53% of high school students will report being physically active five – seven days per
          week for at least 60 minutes daily.