Progress 08/15/23 to 08/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, our efforts focused on engaging residents of the Lower Ninth Ward (L9W), a historically disadvantaged community with high levels of persistent poverty. As identified by the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as the EPA's Screening and Mapping Tool, the L9W is disadvantaged in seven of eight Justice40 categories, including climate change, health, and workforce development. This community is over 90% Black/African American, with a median household income of $45,670--just over 50% of New Orleans' average. Through targeted outreach, including food pantry operations, community health check-ins, healthy cooking classes, community program participation, Fresh Start Market promotions, and community food research, we reached households and community members directly impacted by systemic challenges, fostering resilience and supporting equitable access to resources. Changes/Problems:During this reporting period, there was a delay in our programming due to the later date of the Fresh Start Market opening as a result of an arson incident and subsequent contractor errors. These unforeseen challenges impacted our project timeline and led to deviations from the original schedule. Adjustments were necessary to accommodate these delays and ensure that all necessary repairs and improvements were completed to prepare the market for full operation. This required reallocating resources and extending certain project milestones to maintain project quality and align with the revised timeline. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our project has offered multiple training and professional development opportunities through diverse sessions and conferences. Team members attended the NIFA Community Nutrition Project Directors Meeting in New Orleans in December, where they engaged with program directors from around the country, learning strategies for community food initiatives, nutrition incentives, and farm-to-school program development. Additionally, we participated in Louisiana Main Street conferences and sessions, which provided insight into community revitalization strategies, particularly focusing on culturally resonant and economically sustainable development strategies. Furthermore, our team received specialized training on community health surveys through the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), gaining hands-on experience in conducting health assessments and community-centered data collection--an essential skill for our community health and environmental projects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research findings, insights, and outcomes from this project are consistently shared with the Community Advisory Action Board (CAAB) to ensure transparency and foster collaborative decision-making. Through regular presentations and discussions, CAAB members are empowered with up-to-date information, enabling them to effectively communicate these results to the broader community and incorporate feedback. This ongoing engagement keeps the community informed and strengthens our project's alignment with local needs and priorities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we plan to advance our goals by finalizing key research with the LPHI, ensuring comprehensive data gathering and publication to guide our community initiatives. Additionally, we are excited to expand the Fresh Start Market, enhancing its capacity to provide fresh, locally-sourced produce and essential resources to the Lower Ninth Ward, fostering greater food accessibility, informed decision-making, and community resilience.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Through an unwavering commitment to food accessibility and community-driven development, Sankofa CDC achieved its goal of increasing fresh food options in the Lower Ninth Ward, culminating in the successful opening of the Fresh Start Market--a dedicated space for locally sourced, nutritious produce and community connection. The ongoing community food assessment of the Lower Ninth Ward is being designed and conducted by the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI). This assessment aims to identify food access needs and guide sustainable solutions, fostering a resilient and equitable food system in the Lower Ninth Ward. Sankofa CDC's commitment to empowering local residents to lead efforts in improving food resources is exemplified through ongoing work at the Fresh Start Market and Sankofa Lower Nine Food Pantry. Members of the Community Advisory Action Board (CAAB) play a key role in this endeavor, advising on culturally relevant food offerings, working alongside community members at both the market and pantry, and sharing market information to broaden community engagement. Their involvement extends to family members, strengthening community ties and ownership as they provide essential resources where needed, contributing to work in the Fresh Start Market and Sankofa Lower Nine Food Pantry. Participation in community events has further advanced this goal. Collaborations with the Urban League on the Big Health Event provided residents with access to fresh food and health resources. Additional support was provided through a Back-to-School Community Health Engagement event held with other local organizations and leaders, as well as partnerships with the Xavier University Health and Wellness Center, where students gain leadership experience while delivering health services. These efforts ensure that residents are not only recipients but also active contributors, shaping a sustainable and inclusive food landscape in the Lower Ninth Ward. Guided by our commitment to racial justice, we advocate for policies and practices that drive equitable power, access, and outcomes in our community. We continue to reach this goal through our active involvement with the Equitable Food-Oriented Development (EFOD) Collaborative, which empowers community-rooted food systems and shifts resources to communities of color. Through EFOD, we engage in collective action, advancing models that reflect our vision for a more just and inclusive food landscape.

Publications