LONG BEACH FRESH| VISABALIZATION PROJECT | URBAN FARM TO MARKET PROGRAM
MARKETPLACEMAMBO
SUPPORTED BY ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH. THIS ACTIVITY IS FUNDED IN PART BY THE CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL, A STATE AGENCY.
Introduction:
In many communities, there exists a stark contrast between the abundance of fresh, nutritious food produced locally and the lack of access to these vital resources, particularly in areas designated as food deserts Our project aims to address this disparity by shedding light on the intricate relationship between local food producers, farms, and the journey of healthy food into neighborhoods often overlooked by traditional food distribution channels.
Problem Statement:
The lack of visibility surrounding local food systems exacerbates issues of food insecurity and perpetuates the existence of food deserts, where access to fresh produce and nutritious options is limited or non-existent. In these underserved communities, convenience stores and liquor stores often dominate the landscape, leaving residents with few healthy food choices.
Project Goals:
Raise Awareness: Increase awareness among community members about the sources of their food, the farmers who grow it, and the journey it takes to introduce it to the local neighborhoods through liquor stores in a Heathy Market Pilot Program.
Empower Local Farmers: Support local farmers and food producers by showcasing their contributions to the community and highlighting the benefits of purchasing locally grown produce from the farmers market.
Address Food Deserts: Work towards solutions to bring healthy food options into food deserts, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to nutritious food.
Promote Community Engagement: Foster community engagement and collaboration to create sustainable solutions for improving access to healthy food options
Project Activities:
Farm Tours and Workshops: Organize farm tours and workshops to connect community members with
Project
Project Activities:
local farmers and educate them about sustainable farming practices
Community Gardens: Establish community gardens in food desert neighborhoods to provide residents with opportunities to grow their own fresh produce and develop a sense of ownership over their food sources.
Collaborative Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to support initiatives aimed at increasing access to healthy food options in underserved communities.
Educational Campaigns: Launch educational campaigns through workshops, social media, and community events to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local food systems and the impact of food deserts on community health
Expected Outcomes:
Increased awareness and appreciation for local food systems among community members.
Empowerment of local farmers and food producers through increased visibility and support.
Implementation of strategies to address food deserts and improve access to healthy food options in underserved neighborhoods.
Strengthened community engagement and collaboration in advocating for equitable food access and sustainable food systems
Objectives
Target Audience
By fostering visibility and understanding of local food systems, we aim to empower communities to make informed choices about their food and work towards a future where everyone has access to nutritious and locally sourced options. Together, let's bridge the gap and create a healthier, more equitable food landscape for all. ���� #LocalFoodSystems #FoodJustice
#CommunityEmpowerment
Increase awareness among community members about the sources of their food, the farmers who grow it, and the journey it takes to reach local markets.
Support local farmers and food producers and markets by showcasing their contributions to the community and highlighting the benefits of purchasing locally grown produce.
Work towards solutions to bring healthy food options into food deserts, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to nutritious food
Foster community engagement and collaboration to create sustainable solutions for improving access to healthy food options
The target audience for this project includes:
Residents of food desert neighborhoods who lack access to healthy food options
Local farmers and food producers who contribute to the local food system.
Community organizations and nonprofits working on food justice and sustainability initiatives.
Local businesses interested in supporting equitable access to healthy food options
Government agencies and policymakers involved in food policy and urban planning.
Educators and community leaders interested in promoting food literacy and community engagement
THESOWING SEEDSOFCHANGE URBANFARM
Project Specifics
Project Scope Duration:
The project is designed to be ongoing, with various activities and initiatives implemented over an extended period to achieve its objectives effectively. It may span several months to years, depending on the scope of activities and the goals set by the project team.
Resources:
Human Resources: The project requires a dedicated team of organizers, coordinators, educators, and volunteers to plan and execute activities such as farm tours, workshops, community garden maintenance, educational campaigns, and advocacy efforts.
Financial Resources: Funding is essential to support various aspects of the project, including venue rentals, transportation, materials for workshops and community gardens, marketing and promotional expenses, and staff compensation if applicable Funding sources may include grants, donations, sponsorships, or partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Physical Resources: Access to suitable venues for workshops, community gardens, and events, as well as transportation for farm tours and distribution of resources, are essential for the project's success. Utilizing existing community spaces and partnering with local farms and businesses can help maximize resources
Outcomes:
Increased awareness and understanding of local food systems among community members
Enhanced visibility and support for local farmers and food producers. Implementation of strategies to address food deserts and improve access to healthy food options in underserved communities
Strengthened community engagement and collaboration in advocating for equitable food access and sustainable food systems.
Project Management Team: Long Beach Fresh Ryan Smolar was responsible for overall project planning, coordination, and implementation, including setting goals, securing resources, and monitoring progress
Community Engagement Team: Placemaking US, Madeleine Spencer Engaged in project management and community engagement with residents, local organizations, businesses, and policymakers to build partnerships and support initiatives aimed at addressing food deserts and promoting equitable access to healthy food options. Project Management and coordination.
Performing Arts Education Team: Strait Up Abilities Robin Olive developed and delivers dance workshops, and provided guidance and dance materials to assist students in increasing awareness and promoting their understanding of local food systems.
Farm and Garden Team: Sowing Seeds of Change, Lindsay and Dina Smith, Coordinates youth performers after farm tasks, connects with Farmers Market and Farm to Market Leaders related to community garden initiatives, and other activities to connect community members with local food producers and promote hands-on examples of the connections between Farm to Market opportunities
Videography and Screen Writing Team: Digital Revolution’s, Anthony Puente, and his team scripted the and led the the project blocking or scenes and shooting each scene for the video creation.
Overall, the project aims to create sustainable change by empowering communities to take an active role in shaping their local food systems and advocating for food justice and equity. Collaboration and ongoing engagement are key to its success in creating a healthier, more resilient food landscape for all.
Unforeseen Partnership Challenges: The initial plan to collaborate with a visual artist for creating visual signage faced unexpected challenges when the project team was instead paired with a dance group called Deborah Brockus Dance Project This change in partnership introduced a divergence from the original vision and required the team to adapt to working with a different type of artistic medium
Difficulty in Collaboration: The lead for the dance project encountered difficulties in effectively partnering with the project team. This lack of synergy hindered communication and coordination efforts, making it challenging to align on the project's goals and vision.
Timeline Constraints: As the project progressed, issues with collaboration persisted, leading to delays in the production timeline. When it came down to the production phase, there was limited time available to rectify the challenges faced with the dance group This resulted in a scramble to find a replacement dancer who could better align with the project's objectives and timelines
Altered Project Scope: Due to the challenges encountered during the collaboration with Deborah Brockus Dance Project and the constraints of the production timeline, the project had to undergo several alterations. Ultimately, it evolved into a dance video that would be used within all the local Produce 2 Market stores to highlight the food scene described. These changes deviated significantly from the original plan for visual signage and required the project team to adjust their expectations and deliverables accordingly.
Impact on Outcomes: The limitations experienced throughout the project's processes undoubtedly affected its outcomes The deviation from the initial vision and the challenges in collaboration likely impacted
YOUTHFARMERS& PERFORMING ARTISTS
Project Constraints
Deliverables
the effectiveness and resonance of the final deliverable, potentially leading to diminished engagement and awareness among the target audience.
Despite these constraints, the project team demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating unforeseen challenges and ultimately delivering a creative solution by finding an amazing alternative dance instructor from a group called Staight Up Abilities to work with the youth from the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm and Long Beach City College to teach a dance and prepare an amazing video that will highlight the local food scene.
However, it is meaningful and essential to reflect on these limitations to inform future projects and mitigate similar obstacles in order to achieve more successful outcomes and build better relationships in the future Assuring the partnership between the artist selected and the project proposals are a good match and have the ability to work together.
Deliverables:
Rehearsal Schedule:
Detailed schedule outlining rehearsals held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout February and March. Coordination of rehearsals at two locations: Sowing Seeds of Change Farm and Long Beach City College.
Preparation for Film Shoot:
Coordination with dance instructor to prepare youth participants for the film shoot.
Blocking sessions conducted by the videographer to plan and strategize for the film shoots.
Preparation of supplies and set-up at the filming locations: Cleaning up the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm. Adding plants and vegetables to enhance the visual appeal
Deliverables
Preparing boxes and other props needed for the shoot.
Coordination with Film Locations:
Liaison with various film locations, including: Farmers Market.
Sowing Seeds of Change Farm.
La Mexican Market.
Arrangement of logistics and permissions for filming at each location.
Coordination of schedules and timelines to ensure smooth execution of the film shoots
Youth Preparedness for Film Shoot:
Ensuring the readiness and participation of youth performers for the film shoot through rehearsals and coordination with the dance instructor.
Visual Blocking for Film Shoots:
Blocking sessions conducted by the videographer to plan camera angles, movements, and overall visual composition for the film shoots.
Farm Preparation for Film Shoots:
Cleaning and organizing the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm to serve as a backdrop for the film shoots.
Arranging and adding plants and vegetables to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the farm setting.
Preparing necessary supplies and props to facilitate filming activities
Overall, these deliverables were crucial for the successful planning and execution of the film shoots, ensuring that all necessary preparations were made to capture the essence of the local food scene and community engagement efforts effectively.
Limits of the Project:
Unforeseen Partnership Challenges: The initial plan to collaborate with a visual artist for creating visual signage faced unexpected challenges when the project team was instead paired with a dance group called Barrakus Dance This change in partnership introduced a divergence from the original vision and required the team to adapt to working with a different type of artistic medium
Difficulty in Collaboration: The lead for the dance project encountered difficulties in effectively partnering with the project team. This lack of synergy hindered communication and coordination efforts, making it challenging to align on the project's goals and vision.
Timeline Constraints: As the project progressed, issues with collaboration persisted, leading to delays in the production timeline. When it came down to the production phase, there was limited time available to rectify the challenges faced with the dance group This resulted in a scramble to find a replacement dancer who could better align with the project's objectives and timelines
Altered Project Scope: Due to the challenges encountered during the collaboration with Barrakus Dance and the constraints of the production timeline, the project had to undergo several alterations. Ultimately, it evolved into a dance video that would be used within all the local Produce 2 Market stores to highlight the food scene described. These changes deviated significantly from the original plan for visual signage and required the project team to adjust their expectations and deliverables accordingly.
Deliverables
Impact on Outcomes: The limitations experienced throughout the project's processes undoubtedly affected its outcomes. The deviation from the initial vision and the challenges in collaboration likely impacted the effectiveness and resonance of the final deliverable, potentially leading to diminished engagement and awareness among the target audience.
Despite these constraints, the project team demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating unforeseen challenges and ultimately delivering a creative solution by finding an amazing alternative dance instructor from a group called Staight Up Abilities to work with the youth from the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm and Long Beach City College to teach a dance and prepare an amazing video that will highlight the local food scene. However, it's essential to reflect on these limitations to inform future projects and mitigate similar obstacles in order to achieve more successful outcomes. Assuring the partnership between the artist selected and the project proposals are a good match.
Deliverables:
Rehearsal Schedule:
Detailed schedule outlining rehearsals held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout February and March
Coordination of rehearsals at two locations: Sowing Seeds of Change Farm and Long Beach City College.
Preparation for Film Shoot:
Coordination with dance instructor to prepare youth participants for the film shoot
Blocking sessions conducted by the videographer to plan and strategize for the film shoots
Preparation of supplies and set-up at the filming locations: Cleaning up the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm. Adding plants and vegetables to enhance the visual appeal.
PREPARING THEDANCE WITH ROBINOLIVE
THE DANCE
Deliverables cont
Preparing boxes and other props needed for the shoot.
Coordination with Film Locations:
Liaison with various film locations, including:
Farmers Market.
Sowing Seeds of Change Farm.
La Mexican Market.
Arrangement of logistics and permissions for filming at each location
Coordination of schedules and timelines to ensure smooth execution of the film shoots
Youth Preparedness for Film Shoot:
Ensuring the readiness and participation of youth performers for the film shoot through rehearsals and coordination with the dance instructor.
Visual Blocking for Film Shoots:
Blocking sessions conducted by the videographer to plan camera angles, movements, and overall visual composition for the film shoots.
Farm Preparation for Film Shoots:
Cleaning and organizing the Sowing Seeds of Change Farm to serve as a backdrop for the film shoots. Arranging and adding plants and vegetables to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the farm setting
Preparing necessary supplies and props to facilitate filming activities
Overall, these deliverables were crucial for the successful planning and execution of the film shoots, ensuring that all necessary preparations were made to capture the essence of the local food scene and community engagement efforts effectively.
Explorations & Decisions
Approaches Considered:
Visual Signage Installation: The initial plan involved creating visual signage to highlight the local food scene and promote awareness of local food systems. This approach aimed to utilize static visuals placed in strategic locations to convey information and engage the community.
Dance Performance: When the project was paired with Barrakus Dance, an alternative approach emerged, focusing on incorporating dance as a medium to convey the message of the local food scene. This approach aimed to create a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, using movement to capture attention and evoke emotions.
Music/Dance Video: Another approach considered was to create a music/dance video showcasing the Produce to Market Program in the style of the film, White Noise's final scene This approach sought to merge music, dance, and visuals to create a captivating and immersive experience that would resonate with the audience
Decisions Ultimately Made:
Transition to Dance Video: Despite the initial plan for visual signage and the consideration of a music/dance video, the project ultimately shifted towards producing a dance video to showcase the local food scene This decision was made due to the challenges faced in collaborating with Barrakus Dance and the limited time available for production. By leveraging the strengths of the dance group, the project team aimed to create a visually compelling and impactful video that could be used across local Produce 2 Market stores
Utilization of Existing Resources: With the transition to a dance video, the project team capitalized on existing resources, such as the expertise of the dance instructor, the availability of youth participants, and the videographer's skills This decision enabled the team to streamline the production process and maximize the impact of the final deliverable within the constraints of time and resources.
Emphasis on Community Engagement: Despite the change in approach, the project maintained its focus on community engagement and collaboration By involving local youth in the dance performance and filming at various community locations, such as the Farmers Market and Sowing Seeds of Change Farm, the project aimed to foster a sense of ownership and connection among residents to the local food scene
Incorporation into Foodways Summit and Market Displays: The decision was made to premiere the dance video at the First Fridays "Foodways Summit in April" and subsequently play it on small TVs in six neighborhood markets for the remainder of the Produce to Market program This strategy aimed to maximize exposure and engagement by showcasing the video at community events and within local markets, reaching a wide audience and reinforcing the message of the local food scene.
THEVIDEOGRAPHY WITH ANTHONYPUENTE
