While a person’s family history is one indicator of his or her likelihood to develop a health condition, there are many other factors (such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and exposure to certain environmental factors) that together greatly impact that individual’s health and quality of life. In recent years, there has been a growing movement and recognition of this intersection. There has also been an increasing understanding of the impact of the built environment on either facilitating or impeding a healthy lifestyle.

Through Photovoice, surveys, and key informant interviews, this report begins to explore the confluence of these issues and their impact on community health. The purpose of this report is to present key findings from a community needs assessment about healthy food access and physical activity for Asian Pacific Americans (APA) living in New York City. It also offers policy and practice recommendations to increase participation of Asian Pacific Americans in healthy food and active living initiatives like community gardens.

The needs assessment was developed, conducted, and analyzed by APA HEALIN’ (Asian Pacific Americans – Healthy Eating and Active Living in our Neighborhoods), a collaborative of 5 organizations addressing access to healthy foods and safe places to play, exercise, and gather for the Asian American community in New York City.