As part of their team-based project requirement, a team of students at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service worked in partnership with The People Tree to research fresh food access and possible community-based solutions to food insecurity in Greater Little Rock.
Caitlin McAteer of Denver, Colo., Heather Rossi of Columbia, S.C., and Merrill Schmidt of Little Rock, Ark. conducted research regarding issues of fresh food access in the Baring Cross and Promise neighborhoods, including interviews, surveys, and fresh food resource mapping. This study aimed to proved The People Tree with necessary information to make a decision informed by the community on how to best alleviate problems of limited food access.
According to Feeding America, Arkansas ranks second for the highest rate of food insecurity in the country. People who participated in the Greater Little Rock study identified cost as the greatest barrier to fresh produce access while mobility presented a significant barrier for a segment of the population. Additionally, the study found a number of fresh food resources in existence in the Promise Neighborhood, while Baring Cross had limited resources. Lastly, interviewed food insecure populations favored mobile markets and community gardens as ideas for increasing food access in the future.
The student team produced a final report that included recommendations based on their findings. Recommendations included: collaborate with the target community when designing interventions, support existing community gardens and mobile market initiatives, tailor mobile market operations and produce selection to community needs and desires, and encourage increased coordination in food access initiatives.
This project is one of 10 team-based projects to be completed by 37 Clinton School students across the state of Arkansas this year. These students are in their first year of classes in the school’s Master of Public Service degree program.
About The People Tree
The People Tree is a nonprofit organization that works to transform community ideas into community action in Central Arkansas. In 2010, Josh Fendley established The People Tree with the intention of strengthening community and improving societal systems through local food initiatives. More information about The People Tree is available at www.thepeopletree.us