Community Food Security - read the Hunger Commission's food access study and download free food access study materials including curriculum for nutrition education workshops.

Asset-Based Community Development

Traditionally, community development in low-income areas start with a needs assessment of a neighborhood, which is then used to compile a list of “barriers” residents face to living a stable and healthy life. Asset-Based Community Development turns this thought process around and encourages community development by identifying and building on the skills and resources that already exist in the neighborhood. The ABCD approach uses dedicated community volunteers to link neighbors, local associations and other institutions in an effort to improve the overall well-being of the residents.

The Sacramento Hunger Commission is trying to use the ABCD method to improve food access in low-income Sacramento neighborhoods. Staff hopes to facilitate three discussion groups using the Food Related ABCD Discussion Tool they have created in both Spanish and English. The results from these discussion groups will be used to devise a plan to link the key resources identified by the groups in an effort to improve food access for the participating residents.

The Sacramento Hunger Commission has also successfully used the ABCD method to discover and share the skills and resources of their Commission Members through a Board ABCD Tool (PDF Version). An Asset-Based VISTA Development (ABVD) Tool (PDF Version) has been used with the Sacramento Americorps*VISTA network.
For more information on Asset-Based Community Development, please contact the Asset Based Community Development Institute.

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