![Ellen Harris and Alvin Nowverl view report of nutrition data. Link to photo information](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106060612im_/http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/apr03/k10354-1i.jpg) Ellen Harris,
assistant center director (left), and Alvin Nowverl, mathematical statistician,
have launched Version 2 of the Community Nutrition Map. Click the image for
more information about it.
|
![For further reading](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106060612im_/http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/For-further-reading.gif)
|
State, National Nutrition Info on Updated
Website
By Rosalie Marion Bliss
December 27, 2007
An updated web resource that provides a snapshot of state and national
health and nutrition indicators has been launched by Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) scientists. The resource,
called the Community Nutrition Map (CNMap), Version 2, was developed at the ARS
Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC)
at Beltsville, Md.
ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) chief scientific research agency.
CNMap is part of the BHNRC's
Community
Nutrition Initiative coordinated by
Ellen
Harris, assistant center director. CNMap provides user-friendly information
on food and nutrition indicators by statecompared to national
levelsfor nutritionists, researchers, educators and consumers.
Easy-to-read customized tables and color-coded maps can be accessed by
anyone on the Internet. Indicators include data on estimated nutrient intakes,
eating patterns, physical activity, body weight, demographics and food
security. Food security is defined as an individual's ability to access enough
food to lead an active, healthy life. Policy makers and public health workers
can use these profiles to investigate diet and health issues that may be of
concern both at the local and state level.
Indicators are obtained from a variety of sources. The primary source
of data for Version 2 is "What We Eat in America," the BHNRC-managed dietary
intake interview component of the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey. These data are combined with data from the
U.S. Bureau of the Census, USDA
Agricultural Marketing Service and USDA
Food and Nutrition Service.
The Map Gallery provides percentages of individuals, state-by-state,
who meet MyPyramid.gov food group
recommendations, which include specified amounts of vegetables, grains, fruits,
meats and dairy. Users can also look up percentages of individuals,
state-by-state, who are at risk of nutrient inadequacy, or excess, for specific
nutrients from food sources.
To access the Community Nutrition Map, Version 2, go to
this web
page. Then, click on any state to begin viewing data.