Everyone has the right to consistent and adequate nutrition. Influenced by a number of factors, food insecurity is an issue plaguing humanity. Individuals are not the only ones negatively impacted as society is often affected through chronic diseases and the costs associated with supporting vulnerable community members. How might my local food pantry connect with more community members to serve those with food insecurities? That is the question that I hope to solve.
I think of myself as a lifelong learner and that encourages me to explore perspectives that differ from my own so that I can hopefully be of help wherever I am needed. Serving others, and being inclusive, brings me joy. It seems so basic to me that everyone should have access to food as an essential part of the framework that sustains life. Food is a necessity, not a convenience, therefore I personally hold its value above most other social issues. Ensuring that people have enough food is very important to me because I want everyone to fulfil their purpose and share their talents for the good of our world. To consider someone else, teaches me empathy for struggles that I may or may not yet understand and that affords me the opportunity to build relationships and be a productive member of society.
Initially, my focus was on the organization, or rather disorganization, of my local food pantry. Ethnographic research, through interviews with key stakeholders at the food pantry, has informed my perspective in a way that has directed me towards the problem they have identified, which is connecting with community members to inform them of the food pantry services. I am gathering empirical data to validate the need for a solution based on the demographics in my local community. Quite evident thus far in my research, is the importance of collaboration between the network of state, national, and global food assistance initiatives. There is a lot of information regarding the safe operation of food pantries along with quantifiable statistics of those with food insecurities however I have more investigation to complete into communication and outreach methods. My research dictates that there is an undeniable need for greater awareness of and access to the food pantry. There are several food pantries in my county and a partnership that may facilitate the pooling of resources, which may be a viable plan for future growth.
Our world is increasingly filled with technology advances and changes in digital media literacies. Solutions to problems must be flexible and capable of accommodating a range of needs. With that in mind, I think it is important to consider accessibility limitations by community members. Possibly, my solution could entail a hybrid of an online presence as well as a verbal or written aspect. Being cognizant of the capstone course duration, and my ability to prototype my ideas, will drive the innovation process to allow for quick failures and quality feedback. Through brainstorming by utilizing the Systems Thinking approach, I am actively trying to change the lens that I am looking at the problem through so that I can analyze new opportunities from multiple angles. In the problem that I have identified, the stakeholders have varying needs and I will refer to interviews with them for suggestions on a possible solution. Vital to me being able to empathize with them is listening without interjecting my own biases.
The number of people experiencing food insecurity is staggering and all of us have likely known someone dealing with it. There are enough obstacles to conquer for many to have either the mobility, transportation, availability to access the food pantry and a simple lack of awareness in the community should not be included in that list. Asking for help can be very difficult for some, to the detriment of their own health. Being respectful of diverse cultures strengthens communities so that trust is gained and barriers crossed. While I realize that I cannot solve world hunger, I am confident that a great place to start is right here in my own community. To invigorate my mission, I remind myself of the question: How might my local food pantry connect with more community members to serve those with food insecurities?
I think of myself as a lifelong learner and that encourages me to explore perspectives that differ from my own so that I can hopefully be of help wherever I am needed. Serving others, and being inclusive, brings me joy. It seems so basic to me that everyone should have access to food as an essential part of the framework that sustains life. Food is a necessity, not a convenience, therefore I personally hold its value above most other social issues. Ensuring that people have enough food is very important to me because I want everyone to fulfil their purpose and share their talents for the good of our world. To consider someone else, teaches me empathy for struggles that I may or may not yet understand and that affords me the opportunity to build relationships and be a productive member of society.
Initially, my focus was on the organization, or rather disorganization, of my local food pantry. Ethnographic research, through interviews with key stakeholders at the food pantry, has informed my perspective in a way that has directed me towards the problem they have identified, which is connecting with community members to inform them of the food pantry services. I am gathering empirical data to validate the need for a solution based on the demographics in my local community. Quite evident thus far in my research, is the importance of collaboration between the network of state, national, and global food assistance initiatives. There is a lot of information regarding the safe operation of food pantries along with quantifiable statistics of those with food insecurities however I have more investigation to complete into communication and outreach methods. My research dictates that there is an undeniable need for greater awareness of and access to the food pantry. There are several food pantries in my county and a partnership that may facilitate the pooling of resources, which may be a viable plan for future growth.
Our world is increasingly filled with technology advances and changes in digital media literacies. Solutions to problems must be flexible and capable of accommodating a range of needs. With that in mind, I think it is important to consider accessibility limitations by community members. Possibly, my solution could entail a hybrid of an online presence as well as a verbal or written aspect. Being cognizant of the capstone course duration, and my ability to prototype my ideas, will drive the innovation process to allow for quick failures and quality feedback. Through brainstorming by utilizing the Systems Thinking approach, I am actively trying to change the lens that I am looking at the problem through so that I can analyze new opportunities from multiple angles. In the problem that I have identified, the stakeholders have varying needs and I will refer to interviews with them for suggestions on a possible solution. Vital to me being able to empathize with them is listening without interjecting my own biases.
The number of people experiencing food insecurity is staggering and all of us have likely known someone dealing with it. There are enough obstacles to conquer for many to have either the mobility, transportation, availability to access the food pantry and a simple lack of awareness in the community should not be included in that list. Asking for help can be very difficult for some, to the detriment of their own health. Being respectful of diverse cultures strengthens communities so that trust is gained and barriers crossed. While I realize that I cannot solve world hunger, I am confident that a great place to start is right here in my own community. To invigorate my mission, I remind myself of the question: How might my local food pantry connect with more community members to serve those with food insecurities?