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

Co-op Buying

Co-operative buying techniques provide grocery shoppers' savings that can help them to better meet their grocery needs. A community-organized food-buying co-op could take the place of the now defunct Food Opportunities food-buying program. To shop co-operatively, family grocery shoppers coordinate their grocery lists, buy staple items in bulk, and split the costs. Participants share knowledge of money saving techniques (e.g. coupons) and sales. The initiative of a few neighborhood residents could start this type of 'self-assistance' program.

Health Education

Survey responses from this assessment showed that very few Avondale/Glen Elder residents eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Of course, the availability (or lack there of) of fresh fruits and vegetables certainly contributes to this problem. However, we also received many comments that alluded to a lack of knowledge regarding healthy foods; how to prepare them, how to know what's healthy, etc. In order to encourage healthier diets nutrition education must be made available in the neighborhood. The Weed & Seed Health and Safety Team should include information about nutrition and preventative health measures when planning events and activities. This group should also consider arranging cooking classes that could demonstrate inexpensive ways to prepare healthy foods.

Food Closets

Food closets in Avondale/Glen Elder do a wonderful job of organizing volunteers, procuring food donations, and providing services to needy individuals in Sacramento. Unfortunately, the two closest food closets that offer services to individuals of all ages, Capital City Adventist Community Services and South Point Christian Center, are both open for just a few hours on Monday mornings. These two food closets should consider coordinating their services for alternate days. In addition, daytime hours may prohibit working individuals from accessing emergency food services; therefore we recommend an occasional weekend or evening distribution. Recipes could be included with food to be sure food will be utilized.

[Top]