Summary of Weekly Evidence
Weeks 1-4 Team Building
Weeks 4-5 Innovation Techniques
Week 6 Community Garden Concept Explored
Week 7 Creative discussion - garden to be composted in favour of more organic solution
Week 8 Collaboration and Inspiration from Food Dignity Council - genesis of map discovered
Week 9-10 Need for map explored with data and end user interviews
Week 11 Ideal state of free markets to address both community building and dignified food access
Week 12-13 Need to provide information to more users identified at Food Waste week and 203 dinner
Weeks 4-5 Innovation Techniques
Week 6 Community Garden Concept Explored
Week 7 Creative discussion - garden to be composted in favour of more organic solution
Week 8 Collaboration and Inspiration from Food Dignity Council - genesis of map discovered
Week 9-10 Need for map explored with data and end user interviews
Week 11 Ideal state of free markets to address both community building and dignified food access
Week 12-13 Need to provide information to more users identified at Food Waste week and 203 dinner
Update 2: Most important evidence
I was invited by Joy Gregory of Saint Vincent de Paul to attend a round table discussion with many of the key players that provide food to those in need. They are trying to build a more collaborative environment and define what success would like for the City of Calgary. With ever increasing demand and upwards of 150,000 households affect in our city, the ultimate goal should be that their agencies were no longer required. They all agreed that food security is about lack of income, and neither food literacy nor food banks are solving the root cause. I was amazed to learn that only one in five individuals who need food will actually go to the food bank. Much discussion centred around the intake process and how it alienated individuals, but provided insightful data into who was in need of food and why. This completely changed my thoughts surrounding food access: no longer did I think labour should be a prerequisite for community and food. Rather, I now realize that labour should be optional, and community will build around the sharing of food. It was discussed that spending on food is the first to be cut, but the hardest thing to ask assistance for. Most revealing was that the food bank does accept referrals from agencies beyond their stated seven hamper policy, but many were not aware of this. The discussion was heated on the need to even have a cap with one in four clients being "working poor" and one in ten chronically food insecure. The food bank is almost like using an emergency room and it requires great bedside manner.
Final Update: Most Critical Evidence
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the free market based out of the Hillhurst Community. This would be my ultimate dream to partner with local businesses to donate excess food to a local free market. I firmly believe this would build stronger communities in addressing any gaps in food security in a dignified manner, build a stong volunteer base, and enhance consumer loyalty to those business that support the market.
It is my ultimate hope that the map will highlight the importance of building more of these markets across the city to provide an venue for various businesses to act in a deliberate and meaninglful way in their community. It could remove any stigma by appealing to our enviornmental conscious for all to attend, not just those that are food insecure. More free market in our communities could address food distritubution by providinng a dignified and reliable source of food for Calgarians.
It is my ultimate hope that the map will highlight the importance of building more of these markets across the city to provide an venue for various businesses to act in a deliberate and meaninglful way in their community. It could remove any stigma by appealing to our enviornmental conscious for all to attend, not just those that are food insecure. More free market in our communities could address food distritubution by providinng a dignified and reliable source of food for Calgarians.