A city (or county) is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims

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4
expenses to buy food.
x
 Food insecurity is broadly considered to have three pillars 1) availability, 2) access, and 3) utilization. 
Although individuals make foods choices, those choices are made within the context of what is accessible and affordable or 
available. Food insecure households are often the same ones that struggle with obesity. Planning policies and practices can help 
improve access-- a critical factor to better nutrition. New research also shows the lifetime risk of developing diabetes during an 
average lifespan in the US population has increased to nearly 40 percent, further supporting the need to improve nutrition.
xi
 
Increasing access to healthy foods can occur in multiple ways, such as zoning for and streamlining project approvals for 
opening grocery stores in underserved areas, providing policies to increase access to farmers markets, promoting community 
gardens, working with local convenience stores to increase affordable fresh produce selection, and using food procurement 
policies. California is the largest and most diverse producer of healthy foods and commodities in the nation. The American 
Planning Association recently completed a national scan of planning documents addressing food issues, and compiled findings 
into a policy report, 
Planning for Food Access and Community Based Food Systems
. CDFA’s 
Farm to Fork
 office provides 
information on programs to improve food access. In addition, local and regional collaboratives can help address food access 
issues on a larger scale, including evaluating policies that cover the range of food system issues from production, distribution 
and processing, access and consumption, through the end of the cycle to waste disposal.
xii
 According to the USDA, “a community 
food system is one in which ‘food production, processing, distribution and consumption are integrated to enhance the 
environmental, economic, social and nutritional health of a particular place.’”
xiii
 
It is important to address food access as part of the entire food system. General plans can support protecting agricultural land 
for production as well as establishing a framework to support and encourage local food production in the form of community 
gardens and supportive zoning. Regional metropolitan planning organizations must also consider financial incentives for 
improving, among other things, farm to market and interconnectivity transportation needs (
Gov. Code § 65080(b)(4)(C)
). 
Integrated transportation systems connecting regional networks can ensure distribution and processing that has a lower carbon 
footprint and is more sustainable. Also, local access can help reduce trip generation, promote locally sourced food, and support 
mixed use for food retail, farmers markets, and other food stores. Waste disposal has been a component of some local general 
plans as local jurisdictions have gone toward zero waste policies. Some jurisdictions, including Fresno, Orange County, Los 
Angeles, and San Diego have combined food recovery programs to reduce waste going to compost and ensuring the food is 
delivered to those most in need. This work also aligns with 
SB 1383 (2016)
 which requires a goal of at least 20% food recovery 
for human consumption by 2025 (
Pub. Resources Code § 42652.5(a)(2)
). 
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Intent of Analysis
Recommended Data
Eating more fruits and vegetables is a behavior that can be support-
ed through more access to healthy, affordable options. Examining a 
baseline condition can inform policy around food systems and location 
of services.
Consumption of daily fruits and vegetables
Having access to adequate, affordable, and healthy food is important to 
health.  Examining a baseline condition of those suffering from food in-
security can inform policy around food systems and location of services
Self-reported food insecurity
Creating an inventory of available vacant public and private lands can 
help identify lands for conversion into community gardens, urban farm-
ing, or small parks.
Number of unused or under-utilized property per tax assessor records
Mapping baseline food retail and access conditions can identify areas 
that might not have adequate access and inform policy priorities and 
decisions for siting.
Food retail, community garden, and farmer market location

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Promotion of Safe and Sanitary Homes
Requirement Description:
The Environmental Justice Element must identify objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in 
disadvantaged communities by promoting safe and sanitary homes.
General Housing and Health Considerations
Housing location, quality, affordability, and stability have 
health implications
.
xiv
 Additional considerations factor into planning 
processes for special groups such as homeless populations, marginally housed, individuals with disabilities, and aging 
populations. The 
housing element
 allows jurisdictions to identify opportunities and adopt policies to promote positive health 
outcomes. The housing element provides a unique opportunity to examine existing and future housing needs with a focus on 
lower income and special needs households. A housing element can strategically identify capacity for future housing. State 
housing law, including the 
Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA)
 process, a.k.a, “fair share” planning, fundamentally 
addresses equity issues, and related planning and zoning laws require regional and local governments to adopt plans for 
increasing, improving and preserving the State’s housing supply for everyone. 
Location of housing plays a central role in how individuals and families engage in their communities. Neighborhoods with 
accessible transit and active transportation infrastructure offer opportunities for access to employment, schools, and services. If 
the neighborhood is safe, housing located near parks and green space provides recreational opportunities. Housing location can 
also have the co-benefit of influencing the ease of access to fresh food and produce. 
The quality of available housing stock has direct health implications. Older housing that has not been maintained or updated 
can lead to physically unsafe conditions such as pest infestation, water intrusion, mold, poor insulation, and exposure to 
toxins such as lead. Water intrusion, poor insulation, and mold can exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and 
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposure to lead, a known neurotoxin, can have lifelong health consequences for 
young children. Some local jurisdictions have incorporated programs to weatherize and modernize homes that also have 
environmental and health benefits. 
In addition to the quality of housing, affordability is a key factor. Access to affordable housing helps alleviate undue stress 
suffered from unstable living conditions. Often, since families are on fixed incomes, affordable housing allows them to use 
remaining income towards other goods and services, health care needs, and basic necessities such as healthy food. When 
housing prices rise, household occupancy rates often increase, becoming overcrowded, leading to unsafe living conditions and 
increased risk for spread of infectious disease. Rising rents can also lead to displacement of residents resulting in a disruption 
of social networks and school attendance, and can change the fabric of the local community. Local jurisdictions are pursuing 
various planning mechanisms to try to prevent 
displacement
. Given the health impacts of having access to safe, decent, and 
affordable housing it remains critical jurisdictions appropriately plan for variety of housing types. 

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