Roxane Cummings, Rural Health & Nutrition Agent
Did you know that Bamberg is a HOP county? HOP, or the Healthy Options Program, is a CDC (Centers for Disease Control) funded program that addresses health disparities related to nutrition, physical activity, or obesity.
According to U.S. News and World Report (2022), Bamberg County has a 41.0% obesity prevalence and a 14.9% diabetes prevalence, while 34.9% of adults report no leisure-time physical activity. In addition, more than 25% of children in Bamberg County experience food insecurity.
To help combat these disparities, the HOP team, comprised of Clemson University Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agents, works with stakeholders and community organizations involved with food access, food services, or physical activity and recreation.
Our goals are to assess community needs in the context of the current food and physical activity environment and to identify, support, and implement strategies that optimize healthy food access and safe, accessible physical activity.
As the Rural Health and Nutrition Agent for Bamberg, I have visited local food pantries in Bamberg and Denmark, talked to community partners, and looked closer at the availability of healthy food options in our county. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with FoodShare Bamberg. FoodShare’s mission is to increase access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables through community-led projects. FoodShare offers a box of fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices ($5 SNAP, $20 cash, or $21 debit/credit) two Thursdays each month. Orders can be placed online at https://foodsharebamberg.com/ and picked up at the Bamberg Civic Center, Ehrhardt Pharmacy, or Denmark-Olar Elementary School.
Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is a small step that we can all take toward better health. The USDA, along with the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, recommends that we fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables. Summer is the perfect time to start this practice. So grab a fresh peach. Slice a cucumber and a tomato. Enjoy a fresh ear of sweet corn. Healthy options aren’t just good for you, they taste good, too!
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
