On behalf of CSM
Proponent
The Cumberland County Food Security Council is currently conducting research to identify where and how “local food” is getting into the hands of food insecure people in Cumberland County. We are calling this research “ Closing the Hunger Gap with Local Food. ”
The primary purpose of this research is to collect data on the various food access programs currently utilizing “local food” in efforts to reduce food insecurity for persons experiencing hunger in Cumberland County.
For our research purposes, we have generally defined “local food” as Maine-grown food.
Our Hypotheses:
1. “Local food” in access programs can increase food security for hungry people in Cumberland County while also contributing to creating a more robust and resilient food system in our County and in Maine.
2. Agriculture and Gardening programs provide food insecure people with opportunities to learn and grow food for themselves and their families. We believe putting the means of food production into the hands of food insecure people is the most effective strategy for eliminating food insecurity. This can happen on a scale ranging from mid-size farming to backyard gardening.
3. Consumer incentive programs support people experiencing low income in Cumberland County accessing healthy and fresh “local food” that otherwise would be restricted to those with higher income.
Main responsible entity
The Cumberland County Food Security Council's mission is to advocate, educate and take action toward increasing food access for food-insecure people in Cumberland County. We do this by working together to initiate, strategize, and innovate solutions to our community's hunger problem.
The Food Security Council itself is made up of engaged citizens, community leaders, and representatives from local organizations that are leading the efforts to build food security in Cumberland County and across Maine.
Our efforts focus on educating our community about why our neighbors are food insecure and what can be done to create greater food security in Cumberland County.
We advocate for policy changes and decision-making that support systemic change and ground level action relevant to alleviating hunger.
We believe that we can accomplish more together and that collaborative advocacy and collective action can result in a hunger-free Maine.
Date/Timeframe
From January - June 2017 we will gather the data to establish baselines of where local food is already helping to close the hunger gap in Cumberland County.
Funding source
USDA Community Food Project Grant and Local Private Foundations
Location
The scope of our research is Cumberland County and the Council itself is based out of Portland, Maine.
Background/Context
Many Maine households are having a difficult time putting food on their tables. People are not deprived of food because food is unavailable in the market, but rather because the ability to get that food is restricted, most often by limited income.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) defines food security as “access, at all times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members.” Current research ranks Maine third in the nation for people experiencing very low food security.
“Very low food insecurity” is when eating patterns of one or more household members are disrupted and food intake is reduced because the household lacks sufficient income and other resources necessary to acquire food.
Approximately 14.2% Cumberland County’s residents are food insecure.
Fresh, nutritious, local food is not just for the affluent. If you work each day to create a community where no one goes hungry, local food must be a tool.
Local food supports nutritious diets, stimulates regional economies, sustains healthy environments and creates strong social connections.
As a result of this research, we hope to illuminate the various ways local food is and can further be used as a tool to reduce hunger in Cumberland County, Maine.
Focus/Objectives
CCFSC’s strategic framework for this research prioritizes activities according to their effectiveness in improving access to local food for people vulnerable to food insecurity.
Results we intend to achieve and measure in order of priority:
1. Farming and Gardening Programs: Food Insecure People Producing Food; Increase the number of limited resource farmers and gardeners, the quantities of food these growers produce for their families and distribute to people vulnerable to food insecurity and the amount of income these producers are able to generate through selling food.
2. Farm Direct to Food Insecure Consumer; Increase the numbers of farmers markets that accept and process SNAP EBT payments. Increase consumer use of SNAP to purchase local food at farmers markets and other local produce sellers. Increase direct access to local food by seniors through farm shares and meal programs. Increase farmer awareness and participation in local food access and incentive programs.
3. Farm to Institutions Serving Low Income People; Increase the amount of local food purchased by schools, meals programs and hospitals.
Key characteristics of the experience/process
We recognize that many of the ways that individuals and organizations try to take care of people by supporting food access is not truly solving the underlying systemic problem that perpetuates the existence of food insecurity. In order to effectively solve the problem, people must have access to the resources necessary to solve the problem themselves. There are systemic interventions that can point to more holistic solutions, e.g. local food procurement at institutions, consumer incentive programs, local whole foods replacing processed foods in banks and pantries, and more.
Key actors involved and their role
Jim Hanna, Executive Director, CCFSC
Ali Mediate, Research Assistant, CCFSC
Key changes observed with regards to food security and nutrition and sustainable agriculture and food systems
Thus far in our research, it is clear that local food has already played a role in closing the hunger gap in Cumberland County. However, the numbers are small in comparison to the scope of food insecurity in our communities. With this research, we hope to illuminate ways to measure and further guide collective progress toward connecting food insecure individuals with healthy and nutritious local food in our communities.
We are currently establishing baselines based on the assumption that there is more local food available to support hunger alleviation in Cumberland County.
Challenges faced
Farmers are aging. Farmland is available. People either don’t want to farm or don’t have the resources to farm in a financially feasible way. Urban land is contaminated. There are not enough urban community garden plots.
Lessons/Key messages
Collaborative and strategic efforts can increase and broaden positive impact in hunger relief while empowering people as producers and strengthening our local food system.
Sra. Teresa Maisano