Project 1 : Anti-Social Network

• Project
• Stakeholders
• Basic Questions
• Individual Questions
• Interviews
• Sources
• Project Prep
• Summary
• Empathy Mapping
• Personas
• Concept Map
• User Scenarios
• Creating the Kit

Project:

8/27/18-9/1/18

At the beginning of our exploration, I was unaware of food deserts and the lack of accessible healthy food that many people struggle for. Our group began by first, educating me and then brainstorming who our potential stakeholders might be; who was part of a food desert. This research and brainstorming led us to immediately identify the affected areas (including my alma mater), as well as the outreach programs, educational systems, and many others on the outside trying to bring awareness to the existence of food deserts.

Stakeholders:

From there we researched potential stakeholders and came up with the following:

• Doctors
• Dietitians
• School Administrators
• Parents
• Students
• Chefs and Many More!

Basic Questions:

We began with a few basic questions that we would ask everyone.

What is a food desert?

How do you think food access impacts one’s health?

What do you think is missing to help address food deserts (e.g. already have mobile food trucks, food stands, etc.)

How does your job or your volunteer work help to address the food desert issue?

Who or what organizations are successful in addressing food deserts? How are they accomplishing it?

What is the biggest change that you would like to see within your community, in order to help eliminate food deserts? What kind of cultural barriers exist to addressing food deserts?

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts?

Individual Questions:

For individual interviews we have come up with the following questions that are catered to the specific individual:

For Pediatrician: Do you have patients who live in food deserts? What common diseases do they have? Are these diseases directly related to unhealthy diet? Does other family member suffer from the same diseases as children? Who are the main source of health education (parents, school, friends) ? How would you help your patients to engage in health education?

For Registered Dietitian: How does the diet of someone live in a food desert affect their overall wellbeing and health? What are the factors that contribute to dietary behaviour at a household or ‘family’ level? How would you help someone change their lifestyle habits who has lived in a food desert?

For School Administrators: How many students are affected by food deserts within your school? How does being located within a food desert affect students? Does it affect their learning/focus or health/attendance within the classroom setting? What is the school’s outreach for those families that are affected by lack of access to healthy food?

For Parents: What are the biggest challenges of living within a food desert? Tell me about where you buy fruits and vegetables. How far do you travel and how long does it take you? (Follow up: Why? Or I’d love to hear more about your transportation.) Are there programs or Urban Gardens that you may participate in? What is the community outreach for living within a food desert? What kind of fresh foods do you try to incorporate into your daily routine that are more nutritious, if any? How do you get access to those foods? What is the biggest change within your community that you would like to see in order to help eliminate food deserts?

For Student: (If possible) Do you provide your own meals for school? “Pack a lunch? Or eat at school?” Why? What kind of meals are you provided with? What kind of education is being provided on food, health and nutrition? Are there programs or Urban Gardens that you may participate in? Would you be interested in being a part of an Urban Garden within your community of school?

For Chefs & Campaign reps: What inspired you to join the #DrinkGoodDoGood social media campaign? How can restaurants play an active role in raising awareness of food deserts?

Student who lived in a food desert: What was done to improve the situation while you lived there? If you wanted fresh groceries, how did you go about getting them? Did you know you were moving to a food desert?

For holistic health practitioner: Do you have patients who live in food deserts? How does the diet of someone live in a food desert affect their overall wellbeing and health? How would you help someone change their lifestyle habits who has lived in a food desert?

For Health in the Hood: What makes your program unique from other food desert outreach efforts? How has your program affected the food desert population? Did raising awareness about food deserts lead to other benefits as well? How were the head gardeners selected?

For Urban Oasis Project Describe your immediate and long-term plans for Urban Oasis. What motivated you to start Urban Oasis? What challenges do you believe face food desert communities in the near future? What makes the Urban Oasis Project different from other food desert organizations? Tell me about some of your most successful campaigns. Why? And who were your partners? What barriers do people face to access healthy foods? (transportation is a big hurdle)

For Local Farmer What are the benefits of participating in a solution for food deserts? What do you think are the challenges in addressing food deserts? What challenges do you (or farmers in general) face in growing and feeding your community? What cultural barriers do you think may contribute to people not buying from local farms? (Diversity of the communities, different ethnicities, etc.)

For an urban gardener Why do you participate in an urban garden? How has your experience changed (or not changed) your ideas about food? What would you like people to know about urban gardens? What benefits do you believe you have received from growing your own food?

Interviews:

9/2/18-9/8/18

I took the time to look further into the Bowling green area, which is a huge food desert and my alma mater. I did this in order to gain information about the needs of the community, how it could differ from region to region. While also finding new connections:

Holly White:

4th Grade Teacher at Richardsville Elementary: Bowling Green, Kentucky

What is a food desert? A food desert is an area where people have trouble accessing healthy foods.

How do you think food access impacts health? I think it impacts health because what you put in your body is where you get your energy. It could cause major issues for a person if they are not able to get healthy foods. Eating healthy gives your body more energy compared to eating pre-packaged, processed food.

What do you think is missing to help address food deserts? I think an awareness in the community would help. There are places where people can access those healthy foods but they may not be aware of where to go. I think food education would be helpful as well. Children/young adults in schools should be taught the benefits of eating healthy.

Does your job/volunteer work help to address the food desert issue? And if so, how? We try to address the food desert but not in the healthiest way, in my opinion. We have a program, backpacks for education, that provides students with non-perishable food items to have over the weekends and long holiday breaks when necessary. We are at least providing children with food when there is none. However, I would like to be able to find better options to give them.

Are there organizations successful in addressing food deserts in your area? How are they accomplishing it? I honestly don’t know of any other organizations addressing the food desert situation. We have a Family Resource Coordinator at our school and she is where I learn about the program our school offers.

What is the biggest change that you would like to see within your community, in order to help eliminate food deserts? I would like to see some sort of educational program specifically with students and parents. It could overflow to the community as a whole but my students are my biggest concerns. I would like them to be knowledgeable about their options and know where to find healthy foods.

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts? In this day and age, almost all of my students have access to some form of social media (their own or their parents). I think there could be some sort of free app created to show where healthy food is and give you a price range at that location.

How many students would you say are affected by food deserts within the program you volunteer for? Since we are a Title one school, I know many of our students are from low income homes that may just have enough to get by. We have about 75% of our students that receive free/reduced lunch and breakfast at our school.

How does being located within a food desert affect students? It affects every aspect of their education. If those basic needs aren’t met, they cannot learn anything. My students often share food at lunch. We have an extras table so that students who do not want certain things can lay them on the table for another student to come grab at no extra cost. It affects the health of my students when they are not able to get nutritious foods which in turn affects attendance.

What is the program’s outreach for those families that are affected by lack of access to healthy food? If any? Our Family Resource Coordinator is available for parents to contact and every day and works with many families to make sure the needs of our students are met with food, clothing, supplies, etc.

SUMMARY:

Holly is a very knowledgeable teacher who understands her kids needs inside and outside of the classroom. Holly describes the current food desert issue as one that may not gain as much awareness but vital to education. She would like to see an educational program specifically with students and parents. One of the most powerful statements that was made, was that "It affects every aspect of their education. If those basic needs aren’t met, they cannot learn anything. My students often share food at lunch. We have an extras table so that students who do not want certain things can lay them on the table for another student to come grab at no extra cost. It affects the health of my students when they are not able to get nutritious foods which in turn affects attendance.".

Lauren Hayden:

Volunteer at Boys & Girls Club: Bowling Green, Kentucky

What is your definition of a food desert? A food desert has to do with a lack of access to healthy.

How do you think food access impacts health? Often times you see children that are more food defensive, willing to eat whatever is given to them. A lot of times you’ll see a rise in obesity and a lack of education about healthier foods just due to that lack of access.

What do you think is missing to help address food deserts? What I see missing from the Boys & Girls club is a lack of information not only to our members but information extended to the community about the need for healthier foods. The Boys & Girls club has very little funding as mostly runs on donations, most people donate junk foods. So basically we send kids home with stuff like canned soup and ramen noodles and pre packaged snacks like chips and cookies.

Does your volunteer work help to address the food desert issue? And if so, how? I can only do so much as a worker, myself. We definitely try to fulfill the needs of our students, the main thing is focusing on that they even have food. It’s hard to communicate to people to bring in fruits and vegetables when those aren’t foods that last very long, people usually donate cheap and long lasting foods.

What is the biggest change that you would like to see within your community, in order to help eliminate food deserts? I would like to see more education of healthy foods, it would be incredible to start a garden but it definitely would take a lot of time and resources. We aren’t sure if it’s feasible but if someone were to volunteer their time and resources, I don't think anyone here would say no!

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts? Everyone is connected on social media, many students and parents have access to it. Many of those who donate are people who have access to social media and I think it would help out a lot in raising awareness!

SUMMARY:

Our interview was cut short, but she expressed that many of the students are very food defensive and would always want to take food home with them. Lauren expressed how students would not always be provided with the best food options. The boys and girls club only runs on donations and people don't always provide the healthiest food options, "So basically we send kids home with stuff like canned soup and ramen noodles and pre packaged snacks like chips and cookies." many of the students don't have accessible healthy foods within the area.

Katie Miller:

Louisville, Kentucky

What is a food desert? Lack of accessible healthy and nutritious foods.

How do you think food access impacts health? Food access greatly impacts health. The lack of nutritious food in impoverished areas leads to obesity and preventable diseases, including type two diabetes.

What do you think is missing to help address food deserts? Supermarkets, bodegas, and farmers markets need to be integrated into food deserts. Educating residents of these areas would also be beneficial, teaching people to shop for and prepare healthy meals on a budget.

Are there organizations successful in addressing food deserts in your area? Dare to care is working to provide nonperishable food items in the inner city. The table is a restaurant that is run completely by volunteers to prepare healthy meals on a pay what you can afford basis. A new store called oasis has recently opened, providing fresh fruits and veggies at greatly reduced prices from local farmers.

What is the biggest change that you would like to see within your community, in order to help eliminate lack of accessible healthy food? I would love to see a bigger effort made in inner city schools to provide food education, in addition to healthy food for meal programs. I would also love to see farmers markets bodegas begin to inhabit impoverished areas.

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts? social media can be used to promote healthy lifestyles, and to educate those who aren’t familiar with food deserts and the struggle to access healthy foods in these areas. Advertising campaigns for healthy programs can reach a wider audience, and can promote a call to action for these efforts.

SUMMARY:

Katie talked about in her interview with me about how she would love to see a bigger effort made in inner city schools to provide food education, in addition to healthy food for meal programs. I would also love to see farmers markets bodegas begin to inhabit impoverished areas. I also was able to learn about these two new stores, "The table is a restaurant that is run completely by volunteers to prepare healthy meals on a pay what you can afford basis. A new store called oasis has recently opened, providing fresh fruits and veggies at greatly reduced prices from local farmers." We also discussed how she believes "Advertising campaigns for healthy programs can reach a wider audience, and can promote a call to action for these efforts."

Debbie Harwood:

CHFS & local volunteer: Bowling Green, Kentucky

What is a food desert? Lack of availability to access nutritious foods.

How do you think food access impacts health? Adequate food, easy accessibility of nutritious foods at low cost or free is vital to good health and well being

What do you think is missing to help address food deserts? Inability to obtain fresh fruits/ vegetables and or frozen or can due to income, transportation, lack of education, disabilities or other barriers. More free foods in rural areas, target groups with limited income, transportation and or disabilities. Food available in local neighborhoods – door to door or at local public facilities – schools, fire departments etc.

Are there organizations successful in addressing food deserts in your area? During my career with CHFS we taught nutrition based education classes. Collaborated with other non profits, professionals to address and develop programs to offer food (pantries) and education on resources and preparation. There is several organizations currently involved in providing food to those in need.

What is the biggest change that you would like to see within your community, in order to help eliminate lack of accessible healthy food? Transportation, disabilities and lack of information remain barriers. More funding for delivered meals and transportation is needed.

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts? Social media, local organizations do an excellent job in getting information out.

SUMMARY:

Debbie Harwood is someone that I had come into contact with over a post on Facebook searching for our stakeholder's and potential people to interview. She provided information on her position as a CHFS and her volunteer for many programs around BG, Ky. Her interview emphasized that programs within the community are great at getting information out but that many barriers remain and that there needs to be more funding for transportation and delivered meals.

Melissa Miller:

Parent & JCPS Teacher: Louisville, Kentucky

How can social media and technology play a larger role in raising awareness of food deserts? By bringing greater attention to food deserts, we can bring greater awareness. Such attention allows communities to start vegetable gardens, small farmers and vendors to establish farmers’ markets, and business leaders to attract bigger merchants.

How many students would you say are affected by food deserts within your school/classroom? More than 38% of our student population is considered at-risk through the Fee Waiver program, and a good portion live in the West End, which has been identified as a food desert for quite some time.

How does being located within a food desert affect students? Does it affect their learning/focus or health/attendance within the classroom setting? All students may get breakfast in the morning. In fact, many schools in our district provide breakfast and lunch to all students so that disparities are not apparent.

What is the school’s outreach for those families that are affected by lack of access to healthy food? If any? Our school doesn’t participate in any specific programs here, but many of the surrounding schools participate in Blessings in a Backpack. Even when schools were closed on a Friday for Kentucky’s teacher “strike,” teachers and volunteers contributed food and time to replenish those backpacks and distribute or deliver them to students for the long weekend.

SUMMARY:

Melissa is a parent and teacher, she acts as a wonderful example of our stakeholders. Melissa brought answers that focused mainly on the school aspect of our research, she provided information including: "More than 38% of our student population is considered at-risk through the Fee Waiver program, and a good portion live in the West End, which has been identified as a food desert for quite some time."

Casey Steele-Campbell:

Family Resource Center Coordinator at Richardsville Elementary: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Coming Soon.

SUMMARY:

Coming Soon.

Sources:

We conducted a bit of research and utilized these sites. 8/27/18-9/1/18

https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/article99235392.html Using social media to raise awareness of food deserts.

https://feedingsouthflorida.org/our-programs/produce/ Feeding South Florida organization.

https://feedingsouthflorida.org/walmarts-fight-hunger-spark-change-campaign-benefits-feeding-south-florida/ Walmart joins campaign with Feeding South FL.

My own findings including:

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data/fooddesert/ Food desert tracker.

http://www.wkujournalism.com/kentuckydivide/pages/food/feeding.html

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/03/13/174112591/how-to-find-a-food-desert-near-you

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/

http://ufi.us.org/programs/gardens-for-schools/

Project Prep Worksheet:

After the interviews were conducted at the food market, we filled out our project prep worksheet! 9/8/18

Summary of Work:

To summarize our findings and next steps, as a group we came together to determine: 9/9/18

Right now we are leaning towards the angle of how to bring help into the community and raising awareness to the general public. We were very inspired by the social media campaign and are continuing to research how technology and social media can continue to impact these communities. We hope to launch a project with this technology and social media drive that bring communities together. We would like to focus our campaign on health literacy, education for students, while also being culturally sensitive and understanding of each communities needs. The overall project must aim to design with each community and not for each community in order to be successful and overcome the challenges that can arise.

Empathy Mapping:

In class, we applied the technique of Empathy Mapping. We identified 3 empathy maps:

Based on our empathy maps, we developed 3 Personas that would represent our targeted audience:

Personas:

Patrick, the University Professor: Developed by Mackenzie Anna, the Urban farmer: Developed by Deb Ashley, the 12 years old kid: Developed by Maria.

Concept Map:

While my group created the personas I worked on our Concept Map: The proposed solution is a Kit, which we have called the "Education Kitchen" Kit, which will be a set of different educational materials for school teacher to give to their students.

Some of the material that the kit will contain are:

Activity book: Several activity book to give the students. They will contain fun information about health literacy and will be complemented with life experiences as going to the farm. It will also contain special images to be scanned by smart devices and see relevant information about fresh food using Augmented Reality.

Seeds: Teachers will be able to give seed to their students to take home and start growing their own garden.

Recipes: It will also contain easy recipes for kids to cook their own meals at home using what they know about fresh and healthy food.

User Scenarios:

Before developing the scenarios, we decided to make some changes of the personas that me had to adapt them to the concept idea of the product that we will propose.

We have developed 3 scenarios for each of the personas stated.

• Mackenzie has worked on the scenario for Patrick, the school teacher.
• Deb has developed a scenario for Anna, the urban farmer.
• Maria has developed a scenario for Ashley, the student.

Creating the Kit:

Deb & I met at the Library on Sept. 29th to begin working on what will be included in the kit. I began on the workbook, creating a template for the recipes and fun facts to be plugged in and then passed it off to Deb to finish. I then began to work on the rest of the design needs and kit. Creating the AR application in Sketch, the Poster, the cover of the "Teacher's Guide", a mockup of the box and the seeds. After adding them to the slide for our presentation where my group and I collaborated. Mackenzie and Maria took lead on the presentation doing an incredible job!

Maria's Niece and Nephew took the time to draw in our workbooks!

Drawings:

Kit:

Box:

Seeds:

Workbooks:

Poster:

App: