What is one of the primary goals of community nutrition programs?

One of the primary goals of community nutrition programs is to promote widespread access to healthy food options. This objective addresses the root causes of poor nutrition and food insecurity by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, can obtain nutritious foods. Improving access to healthy food options can lead to better health outcomes across the community, reducing the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Such programs often include initiatives like community gardens, farmers' markets, nutrition education, and partnerships with local food banks to enhance food availability and ensure that nutritious choices are accessible to everyone.

The other options do not align as closely with the comprehensive goals of community nutrition programs. Medicinal treatment for chronic illnesses typically falls under healthcare services rather than community nutrition, while targeting specifically overweight individuals limits the audience and fails to consider the broader community needs. Focusing only on youth nutrition, although important, does not encompass the entire population that community nutrition aims to serve. Therefore, the emphasis on promoting access to healthy food options represents a fundamental approach to improving overall community health and well-being.