FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY DRAFT
2.1.5 Community Priorities The community survey provided a clear picture of respondents’ foodrelated priorities. Refer to Section 1.3 for methodology details and response overview and to Appendix B for community engagement results. Overall, what was most important to respondents was being able to access local food. Second, was being able to buy food at low prices, and third, was being able to buy food conveniently.
Food Access Priorities 1. That I can buy local food. 2. That I can buy food at low prices. 3. That I can buy food conveniently (at the nearest store). 4. That I can grow my own food. 5. That I can buy organic food. 6. That I can buy food in bulk (e.g., making periodic trips to Costco). 7. That I can hunt, fish, or wild harvest (gather from natural areas) at least a portion of my and my family's food.
In terms of being able to access food, 32% of respondents indicated that they face challenges in being able to access food in this way. For some it was an issue of insufficient income or the high cost of food, for others they found the distance to grocery stores too far, while others found buying local food inconvenient or impractical. For those who prefer to grow their own food, their challenges relate to the lack of space available to garden in multi-unit housing complexes, small yards, or the cost of tools, supplies, or water. Several respondents face medical or physical challenges which hamper their mobility and ability to go grocery shopping.
Where do people get their food? 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Patio planters Convenience Store Produce box program Meal prep service Backyard chicken coops Charitable food service Community garden Fruit tree gleaning
1. Grocery Store 2. Restaurant take out/fast food 3. Farmer's Market 4. Backyard Garden 5. Wholesaler/bulk 6. Directly from farms 7. Produce sharing
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