A.C.T.I.O.N. 
(ACTIVE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE OUR NUTRITION)
COMMUNITY FOOD ASSESSMENT

In November 2004 CSU released the ACTION Food Assessment Report. The report launch, held at the Growing Healthy garden at Normandie Avenue Elementary, was well attended by the community, including California Assemblywoman Karen Bass. Representatives of partner organizations such as Blazers Safe Haven and California Food Security Coalition were also in attendance. Highlights included two elementary school students who spoke about their participation in Growing Healthy, and the unveiling of a model of our irrigation system, a solar powered drip line.

In total, ACTION engaged over 750 community members at 18 sites. We found 50 fast food chains, 39 liquor/mini-markets, 8 restaurants and 4 grocery stores in just a 1 x 1 ½ mile area. Furthermore, community participants ranked nutrition education, gardens, and training to grow their own food as top priorities for future food resources. Our programs, Growing Healthy and From the Ground Up, are a direct response to assessment results. 

The ACTION assessment was conducted from May to December 2003, fueled solely by volunteer power and in-kind donations. Partners included the Healthy School Food Coalition, Blazer's Safe Haven, New Panther Vanguard Movement, and Atlachinolli Front. Our assessment was based on Participatory Appraisal, which instills partnership with the community, and Freirian Pedagogy which facilitates critical thinking through dialogue. The survey engaged residents, employees, students and congregations in identifying and analyzing food security issues and their role in community health, while gathering data about current behaviors and future priorities.

For more information or to view a copy of the report click here.