Recipient Organization
Chugachmiut, Inc.
1840 Bragaw Street, Suite 110
Anchorage,AK 99508
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Project Abstract Chugachmiut has chosen the name Snaaqulluta Neqnek; pronounced (s-naa-q-oo-ll-ta nak-neck), which is Sugcestun for Food Sharing for our planning and assessment food project under this opportunity. Sharing food is a cultural Sugpiat/Alutiiq quality we wish to build this program around as it speaks to the very intent of the situation faced by the remote communities in our region. Chugachmiut is embarking on the Restoring Health Initiative which will encompass virtually every aspect of our operations through every division of our organization. Representing the seven communities in this region, the Snaaqulluta Neqnek Project will clearly determine the ultimate direction of this initiative. This initiative requires collaboration between all seven communities in this region in the form of locally-based Community Health Advisory Boards which will materially share in the implementation and eventual success of this program. This project builds upon our commitment to provide superior health care to the people of this region through a better understanding of nutrition and food source security. Every year each of the seven communities in this region hold Health Fairs where information is provided and shared between Chugachmiut staff and the residents of these communities. This is the ideal setting for kicking off the Snaaqulluta Neqnek Assessment and will create the forward momentum within our communities as we progress further into this worthwhile and achievable initiative.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
100%
Goals / Objectives
Our primary Goal is to improve food and nutrition options by increasing access to healthy affordable foods in the Chugachmiut communities. This Goal will be realized by completing the following Objectives through the identified Activities Short Term Objectives Bring an awareness to each community regarding the nutritional needs and means available to meet those needs via the following outcomes Increase knowledge of food resources in communities Increase knowledge of community garden feasibility Increase knowledge of food needs in communities Increase knowledge of nutrition and health issues in communities Mid-Term Objectives Develop and nurture a sense of what can be done locally through community efforts to meet the nutritional needs of low-income and tribal Elders via the following outcomes Increase the number of community gardens by 25%. Increase Tribal Resolutions Increase participation of local workgroups Increase Health initiatives Increase entrepreneurial opportunities Increase partnerships between for profit and not for profit organizations Long Term Objectives Healthier communities through a food security strategy plan via the following outcomes Self-determination and sustainability for community food security through community planning Healthy communities through diet and nutrition Increased health through holistic activities The objective for researching food choices in our communities are meant to increase the options for the purchasing or growing of food and to develop options for food self sufficiency. These communities are isolated and it is not uncommon that aircraft cannot fly due to weather, volcanic eruptions and lately flights have been cancelled due to H1N1 epidemics in the villages. Food security plans need to be developed to increase food choices due to these occurrences and other natural disasters, communities could conceivably be without delivery of food for weeks and possibly longer. The local Community Health Advisory Committees comprised of tribal representatives, including low income residents, will be engaged to assist in the development of a survey and encourage participation in meetings to determine what the food needs of their communities are and what goals their communities have regarding ways to increase the food availability. It is believed the community responses will lead to the necessary changes needed and a plan of action will then be developed for increased access to nutritional food thus resulting in better nutrition and eating habits and better overall health in our communities.
Project Methods
Methods Community Awareness Announce funding award Distribute program timetable and committee tasks and responsibilities Design Assessment/Survey database and survey instrument Conduct on-site meetings with local Committee members to begin the process of developing a region-wide survey; Compile information into a single survey and develop a database based on the survey and community parameters Conduct Assessment/Survey Meet with CHAC members and Community Volunteers to begin train on conducting surveys Conduct Nutrition Fairs in each community to bring people forward to make them aware of the project, the survey and anticipated benefits for their communities Begin surveying community residents Research food distribution and food availability sources within the region Initiate contact with known vendors and distributors of food in the region and state, both non-profit and for profit; Initiate contact with State of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service; Master Gardeners program; etc. to determine the options for locally grown food alternatives Disseminate survey information into reports Receive completed survey; Enter into database; Prepare reports Publish survey report Finalize reports after corresponding and teleconferencing with CHAC members concerning survey data collected; Present final report to each community at follow-up Nutrition Fairs in each community; Begin process of developing community based strategy to meet local food security Combine community Strategies into a region-wide strategy plan After completion of local food security strategy plans, combine into cohesive region-wide plan Develop Proposals to meet the Community/Regional Food Security Strategy Plans Research funding opportunities to meet the needs identified through this project.