The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services is spearheading a comprehensive assessment of the county's "food system," seeking valuable insights from the community. This collaborative project, titled "Our Food Boone County," aims to examine how food is produced, purchased, accessed, and consumed within the region.

Empowering the Community to Shape a Sustainable Food Future

Assessing Food Security and Access

The survey, which can be found online, consists of 25 questions and takes approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. The assessment delves into various aspects of food security, including the frequency with which residents have experienced challenges such as food not lasting and being unable to afford more, the inability to afford balanced meals, and instances of adults cutting or skipping meals due to insufficient funds for food. By gathering this data, the project aims to uncover the nuances of food access and affordability within Boone County, providing a foundation for targeted interventions and policy changes.

Engaging Diverse Stakeholders

The assessment is part of a multi-year initiative funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health, and it involves a series of specialized surveys targeting specific groups within the food system. Farmers, ranchers, retailers, business owners, and store managers are among the key stakeholders being invited to share their perspectives and experiences. This comprehensive approach ensures that the assessment captures the diverse voices and needs of all those involved in the local food ecosystem.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Change

The "Our Food Boone County" project is a collaborative effort between several partner organizations, underscoring the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing food-related challenges. By bringing together various stakeholders, the assessment aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within the county's food system, ultimately informing strategies and policies that can enhance food security, accessibility, and sustainability for all residents.

Empowering Community Engagement

The community's participation in this assessment is crucial, as it allows residents to directly shape the future of Boone County's food landscape. By sharing their experiences and insights, community members can contribute to the development of tailored solutions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by different segments of the population. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the process, ensuring that the resulting initiatives truly reflect the community's priorities and aspirations.

Leveraging Data for Informed Decision-Making

The comprehensive data gathered through the "Our Food Boone County" assessment will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. By analyzing the findings, they can identify areas of need, allocate resources more effectively, and develop evidence-based strategies to improve food security, accessibility, and sustainability within the county. This data-driven approach ensures that future interventions are grounded in the realities and experiences of the local community.

Fostering Collaboration and Collective Impact

The "Our Food Boone County" project exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in addressing complex food-related challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including community members, the assessment aims to foster a shared understanding of the issues and facilitate the development of coordinated, multi-faceted solutions. This collective impact approach has the potential to drive meaningful and lasting change, transforming Boone County's food system into a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable model for the future.