GBCFP recently completed a year-long mini-project partnership with Heifer International and P.E.E.R., Inc. A major focus of the mini-project was a community food assessment in the East Lake neighborhood of Birmingham, working in partnership with East Lake community partners and the University of Alabama. The assessment began with three of our members completing a windshield survey in early 2007. A windshield survey reveals where grocery stores are located, the transportation options, if the area is pedestrian friendly, and if the area feels safe to residents. The assessment process continued to included a series of focus groups, a supermarket survey, a childcare provider survey, and a photo project with community youth.

Although there is still some work to be done on analysis and the final report, some of the preliminary findings indicate a dearth of outlets for fresh fruits and vegetables, limited transportation options to food outlets, varying knowledge of alternative options to acquire food, and interest in establishing community & school gardens. Major issues of concern for community residents include the safety of their food and lack of access to healthy food. GBCFP and its partners followed up on needs identified by community organizations and individuals by providing information on outlets for healthy food, access to federa, state, and local funding around for nutrition programs, and more, and will share the report as a tool for community action. The community based PEER (Promoting Empowerment and Enrichment Resources) project has already been responding to the food assessment results by informing new contacts about its weekly farmers market and expanding its market basket program to lower-income residents.

Inspired by the East Lake food assessment, groups in Birmingham's West End neighborhood are looking toconduct a series of food assessment activities of their own in the coming year.

Currently, GBCFP is compiling lessons from the East Lake food assessment in hopes to expand food assessment in efforts in West End and other areas. This would help set direction for and nurture community partnerships around future food programs, and further shape a food policy agenda.

 

What is a Food Assessment?

"A community food assessment is a powerful way to tell the story of what's happening with food in a community, and to mobilize efforts to improve the food system. Through such assessments, diverse stakeholders work together to research their local food sysem, and implement changes based on their findings."

Community Food Assessments utilize surveys, small group discussions, community activities, town meetings, and statiscial research to compile a better understanding of he local food system and how it influences communtiy food security. Such assessments use an "assets-based approach" focusing on working within the community and enabling community residents to lead and direct the assessment. When the community buys into the project, some exciting results can unfold.

In Louisville, KY, the Community Farm Alliance conducted an assessment which resulted in two new farmers markets, a locally-owned food distribution business, new city involvement in food security, and the creation of a collaborative Food Security Task Force. Read their report here.