Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences that were the focus of the project included: diverse, low income families on Cape Cod (Barnstable County), with a special emphasis onBrazilian, Haitian, Jamacian and other immigrant communities (speaking Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish). We reached these target audiences through partnerships with the following community organizations: South Shore Community Action Committee (SSCAC) The Brazilian Resource Center Cape Cod Children's Place Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (CACCCI) Leadership in the large Brazilian community Changes/Problems:As our work developed, it became clear that the vital, burgeoning immigrant community from Brazil now living on Cape Cod represents an important underserved community. In addition, this community is very interested in better nutrition, locally sourced food like fish, and diversified job opportunities (beyond house painting, carpentry, landscaping, housecleaning and motel work). This meant we needed to develop better contacts in this community, and provide translation services to be sure communication was optimal. This led to a strong and growing partnership with The Brazilian Resource Center, a key non-profit with capacity for outreach to all ages, translation services, as well as direct food distribution. This resulted in a shift of population focus although the goals of the project remained identical, and other partners like South Shore Community Action Committee, Children's Place, and Cape Cod Community Action Committee all continued to participate and engage. In addition, while our initial focus was more on working through strategies for direct distribution and outreach to get chowders and stew to people facing food insecurity, we soon realized that the workforce and job training elements are at least of equal importance. Building these employment opportunities and relationships strengthen the community while at the same time creating more demand and appreciation for the local fishing fleet and its healthy harvests. In some ways this mirrors the old adage: "Teach someone to fish, they eat once. Teach someone how to fish, they eat many times." What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Employment within the fishing industry was originally considered a subsidiary area of focus for the project. Early on, however, community partners anticipated significant interest in fishing industry employment opportunities. As a result, the project took on a second track: training and professional development for fishing industry employment. Surveys and focus groups confirmed the input of our project partners, revealing clear interest in job training opportunities and employment in the local fishing industry, particularly in the Brazilian community based in Hyannis and the Mid-Cape. Project partners and focus group participants also said that training which focuses on preparing attendees to work on fishing vessels would be a further connection between local fish and consumers. In response, the Fishermen's Alliance worked with the Brazilian Resource Center to plan and implement a three-day training workshop, involving professional instructors in all aspects of fishing industry requirements such as Coast Guard safety and survival, gear handling, and off-shore protocols. All planning and outreach was accomplished during the grant's timeframe, and successful outreach resulted in 16 people signing up to participate in the July 2024 training, two weeks after the formal end of the grant period. All participants were native Portuguese speakers, now living on Cape Cod, so translation services as well as professional training were included. Professional staff from the Fishermen's Alliance trained participants in local fishing opportunities, gear types, knot tying, and responsibilities and expectations of fishing crew. Certified staff from Fathom Resources provided 2 days of Offshore Marine Safety Training, whichincludespreparing for emergencies, cold water survival, distress signals, fire fighting, station bills, flooding and damage control, and in-water skills development. Upon successful demonstration of skills and knowledge, graduates receive a certificate. While this certificate isnot required to be employed as crew, learning this important information in their native language is critical to safety offshore, where in an emergencyseconds count and trying to overcomea language barrier can be deadly. As a result, six people were placed in shore-side fishing industry employmentwithin weeks of successfully finishing the course, and one offshore, with strong community interest expressed in adding more courses as time and funding allows. Shore-side fishing facilities provide good jobs that often lead to off-shore opportunities as well. In one facility the owner said they were hoping to hire crew as soon as possible, but were waiting on hiring a captain. As this program grows, there will be a solid pipeline for crew to enter the captain's role - with appropriate training. One student began working as the sole crew member on a longline fishing boat out of Chatham. Without the availability of this trained individual to go fishing the captain likely would have had to go alone, which is dangerous, or tried to find another fishery for the fall. With fishing businesses on the Cape running on such small margins, having trained help can make the difference between success and failure. Additionally, when one small business gets out of the fishery it effects the success of others because buyers look to other markets or find it not cost effective to drive to the Cape to pick up less catch. In addition, TDI Mass Development Program, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Development Finance Agency with a strong focus on job creation, has followed up on this initial course with strong interest in expanding the program. Conversations toward that end began in late July 2024 and are continuing. TDI Mass Development Programstaff also arranged an initial meeting with the executive director of Cape Cod's Blue Economy Foundation, part of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The Blue Economy concept is intended to emphasize and promote the important relationship between the environment and the waterfront economy in Cape Cod's health and future. Because of the successful planning and efforts this grant helped make possible, the executive director is strongly recommending that we reach out to public and quasi-public funding sources she has worked with in the past to expand job training and maritime outreach, and offered her support in doing so. These conversations, initiated soon after the grant period concluded, are ongoing and several specific opportunities have been identified. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?After rounds of meetings with partners who represent a wide spectrum of the community, we developed surveys and focus groups to explore both how to increase fish consumption and how to engage families in job training. The results of that survey and focus work were analyzed and reported to every community partner, both in person and with a slide presentation that was shared. Our partners shared these findings with their clients and provided feedback. Additional suggested outreach included opportunities to create meetings at natural gathering points, for example Brazilian churches and community kitchens at places like the YMCA's lunch program. These efforts are continuing based on the insights and advice offered during the initial process. Our fish consumption surveys collected information about habits, preferences, and barriers for eating fish. Parents were also solicited input about the fish consumption habits and preferences of their children. Below is a summary of respondents: 195 low-income individuals completed fish consumption surveys 193 low-income individuals completed employment surveys 72% of respondents to both surveys identified as Brazilian 8% identified as White 6% identified as Hispanic/Latinx 4% completed surveys in Haitian but identified as either Haitian or Black/African American 64% were age 25 - 44 66% were women 50% had household income under $24,000/year 32% had household income under $48,000/year Results were used to develop discussion prompts for focus groups that would allow for more in-depth exploration of findings. We organized three focus groups to discuss both food consumption and job training perspectives. These focus groups were designed to connect with a diverse, low-income population. One was hosted by The Brazilian Resource Center in Hyannis (May 17), one at The Cape Cod Children's Place in Eastham (May 20), and one at the Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (CACCCI) (June 25). In total, we had approximately 45 participants. Many of the findings we gathered in both survey outreach and focus groups are detailed in the "accomplishments" section above. In addition, we have reported to the broad community via the Commercial Fishermen's Alliance monthly e-magazine, "Small Boats Big Ideas," which reaches roughly 5000 people per month. Stories ranged from two feature length pieces to smaller articles that shared specific milestones. Stories were also shared on social media channels, which collectively have an audience of close to 15,000, through specific posts as well as reels. Other outreach included direct meetings and requests for partnerships. Community support has emerged because of the credibility the program has developed with support from planning grants like this one. For example, the Cape Cod Health Care Foundation (under the umbrella of the region's largest health care provider) has extended 2025 foundation support, recognizing the important health benefits of bringing more local fish into the diets of people facing food insecurity. Similarly, another private local non-profit foundation has offered significant funding to buttress the Small Boats, Big Taste program, identifying us as one of only five efforts on Cape Cod to receive $50,000 in philanthropic support this year. These kinds of "matches" show strong community outreach and recognition for our efforts. TDI Mass Development called all the different regions together to come and hear about our project- people from Taunton and Worcester and Lowell etc had a site visit at the Brazilian Resource Center. This was part of theTDI Transformative Development Initiative for Gateway Districts: place-based economic development program for places that have extensive cultural and community capital that will benefit from greater access to economic capital and wealth-building opportunities for residents. There are only 13 Gateway Districts in the state - and Barnstable is one of them. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Logistical partnerships formed with key social service agencies and public entities to build long-term structure. Initial grant partners recruited additional partners to ensure outreach and engagement of Brazilian, Haitian, and other immigrant communities. Participants included: Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance (grant lead agency) South Shore Community Action Committee (SSCAC) The Brazilian Resource Center Cape Cod Children's Place Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (CACCCI) TDI Mass Development Program(a state agency) Leadership in the large Brazilian community Cape Cod Community College Captains and crew of local fishing boats Partners participated in planning meetings, data collection and analysis, and direct distribution of chowder and stew to communities facing food insecurity. Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance shared information regarding the fishing industry, job training and employment opportunities. The Alliance recruited captains to give presentations during focus groups, building connections between the captains, low-income focus group participants, and staff at partner organizations. We identified additional potential partners, particularly with faith communities that could build on the solid foundation created. After an initial Zoom call on July 23, 2023, most members met in person on August 21, 2023, October 13, 2023, January 4, 2024, and April 19, 2024 with an additional Zoom call in March, 2023. (six meetings) Partners created surveys, focus group instruments and research methodologies. Strategic planning resulted in two research "tracks." One collected primary data focused on fish consumption, eating habits, barriers to fish access and consumption, and ways to encourage children and families to eat more healthy local fish. The other collected primary data on job opportunities in the fishing industry to gauge interest and gather information about employment barriers. Participants developed each survey. Once finalized, each was translated into Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish, and made available in hard copy and online/social media, with forms that could be completed by phone, tablet, or computer, including optional demographic and household information. Hard copy, promotional flyers, and URLs were distributed by partners. Surveys produced the following insights regarding eating habits: A majority reported they eat fish A majority who answered in English reported they primarily consume fresh fish; respondents in Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish reported they primarily consume frozen fish More than half reported it is important that fish is locally sourced and wild caught Most eat fish once or twice a month; however, 41% of Brazilian respondents eat fish more than 2x/week 2/3rds of respondents with children reported their children eat fish Most parents would serve fish to a child even if no one else liked fish Parents offer fish mainly for health benefits All respondents identified cost as greatest barrier Half reported they would not eat stew or chowder even if free. This finding was unexpected and explored during focus groups. Insights regarding employment included: Highest employment and training interest among Haitian and Brazilian respondents Mixed interest among English and Spanish-speaking respondents Interest in aquaculture not as high as fishing industry Strong interest in meeting fishing captains All language groups expressed interest in packing jobs English and Portuguese-speaking respondents were interested in trucking Portuguese and Haitian respondents were interested in processing English and Spanish respondents were interested in office work Logistical concerns (location, duration) were major factors that could impact training participation Language was not seen as a barrier Participants at focus groups in Hyannis were immigrants and new Americans from Brazil, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Japan. Fish was a large part of their diet and more easily accessed in their home countries; they also spent more time preparing fish with family members. Participants shared preparations; recipes often used whole fish rather than fillets. Cost was the most significant barrier. Nearly all participants said they would eat fish stew or chowder if it were free. When we explained the contradictory survey finding, they reasoned that respondents may not have understood the question, particularly as translated. It is also common that in some communities free means that the item has no value or is not good, so they don't want it. In home countries such as Brazil and Jamaica, participants could buy entire fish at open markets or docks, more attractive and affordable, with more variety. Lack of familiarity with names and types of fish here was a reason for not purchasing. Educational opportunities were touted. Participants suggested chefs of different cultural backgrounds give demonstrations, prepare dishes, offer samples, and share recipes. Participants confirmed that community partnerships will increase engagement: Churches represent untapped opportunities, cultural as well as religious gathering places. One focus group in Eastham had 10 USA-born participants, primarily women. They recalled that parents and grandparents involved children in making meals and schools used to offer "home economics." One noted a "culture of convenience" where people would be happy with "turkey dinner out of a pouch." Others said that was changing, young parents focusing on healthy meals, local food. Schools have programming that brings children to farms, translating into children wanting to eat vegetables they wouldn't before. Attendees said having students talk to fishermen and have local fish in schools would improve consumption. There was mention that on the Outer Cape, where fishing heritage is strongest, only the most recent generation is not eating fish or shellfish regularly. One assumption was that disadvantaged populations are reluctant to eat fish. That assumption was incorrect: Survey respondents and focus group participants all reported high consumption, but that with limited resources they prioritize the familiar (chicken or beef) over something they may not know how to cook or something their kids may not eat. Project partners considered the role of staff at community organizations as "gate-keepers" whose own concerns (taste, smell, familiarity) impact their willingness to incorporate fish into food service. Research to collect additional input from gate-keeping staff would be important. A proven preference for fish among low-income and disadvantaged populations could be useful to raise awareness among "gatekeepers." Direct distribution of chowder and stew also continued. South Shore Community Action served to pre-school children and families, with feedback adding to data collected in surveys and focus groups. The Cape Cod Children's Place distributed chowder and stew, reporting strong positive response. The Brazilian Resource Center's food pantry also served stew and chowder, and suggested that bi-lingual labeling would offer a clear understanding of ingredients and help overcome hesitancy. Distribution via the Cape Cod Hunger Network and Greater Boston Food Bank created great demand. Since COVID, we have distributed more than 1.5 million servings of chowder and stew to food banks and pantries state-wide.

Publications