PCFA’s First Community Meeting of 2024!
As the Pima County Food Alliance (PCFA) begins the journey towards a more resilient and equitable local food system, we find ourselves in a crucial phase of reforming and renewal. Collaborating closely with the Food Systems Research Lab at the University of Arizona, we are closely examining the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of previous PCFA initiatives and forming new innovative ideas to guide our efforts with varied opportunities for participation. With a renewed commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, PCFA is creating varied opportunities for participation, ensuring that voices from the community contribute to our collective vision for more equitable food systems.
PCFA held its first community meeting of 2024 on January 22nd. The meeting was open to any community member interested in fostering a resilient and equitable local food system. With engaging discussions, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to collective action, the first PCFA meeting of the year was a success! 26 people attended, representing diverse backgrounds and interests within the local food system, including farmers, advocates, educators, and community organizers. The meeting was hybrid, allowing both in-person and remote participation to accommodate attendee preferences and accessibility needs.
What Happened?
The meeting began with introductions by each attendee and the establishment of essential working agreements. Attendees were then oriented toward the meeting's objectives, which included networking, understanding food system needs, and aligning individual interests with the evolving structure of PCFA. Shelby Thompson provided a comprehensive overview of PCFA's history and collaborative efforts with the University of Arizona’s Food Systems Research Lab, stating the alliance's commitment to community engagement and research-driven initiatives. Rachel Gildersleeve led a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis session, encouraging participants to explore internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats within our local food systems.
Kacy Bartels presented proposed priority areas and working group topics derived from community input, leading discussions on resource awareness, accessibility, and community engagement strategies. Dr. Laurel Bellante facilitated discussions on the best structure for PCFA to ensure sustainability and effective collaboration, addressing capacity, funding, meeting structures, and shared decision-making. After the meeting, attendees provided valuable feedback through an exit survey, expressing their interest in joining various working groups and sharing their input on future involvement. Participants expressed diverse interests in joining working groups, including policy advocacy, food access, water rates, sustainability initiatives, and interests in collaborative efforts with governmental agencies like the Pima County Health Department.
Meeting Exit Survey Results
After the meeting, we asked each participant to complete an exit survey. Out of the 26 participants, we had 17 responses and 13 community organizations represented. Some of the skills and assets identified by the participants were:
Outreach capabilities to connect PCFA initiatives with other vital community groups.
Proficiency in areas such as cooking, food safety, nutrition education, gardening, and foraging.
Administrative and organizational skills, including logistics management and digital resource utilization.
Expertise in marketing and communication, particularly in utilizing social media platforms.
Abilities in research, evaluation, policy advocacy, and grant writing.
Facilitation, public speaking, and note-taking skills.
Lived experiences of navigating challenges within the food system.
Connections to local farmers and producers.
In-depth knowledge of food systems and community resources.
Additional talents such as art, carpentry, and asset mapping.
Additionally, participants expressed interest in various working groups. The top preferences were food access, health department collaboration, and policy advocacy. Some topics suggested for future meetings ranged from resource-sharing to engaging youth, highlighting a commitment to diverse and impactful discussions. We also received helpful feedback from the survey, with calls for a more formal meeting structure, including minute-taking and voting, to enhance organization and accountability. The amazing ideas to engage with local authorities and address food access for vulnerable populations reflects a desire for inclusive action. Additional feedback and suggestions from participants include providing free parking and offering virtual participation to enhance accessibility and convenience for all members.
Conclusion
The Pima County Food Alliance January meeting catalyzed collaborative action, fostered connections, and generated momentum toward a more sustainable and equitable food future. As the alliance continues to evolve, fueled by the passion and dedication of its members, it is poised to enact positive change within the local food system and inspire equitable change with the inclusion of diverse community members and voices.