Progress 09/01/12 to 06/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:One of theoverall goalsof this project was the pursuit of an enhanced integrated planning approach to the development of sustainable and equitable communities through the analysis of community/local food systems and food systems planning inthe Huntsville/Madison County region, one of the fastest growing regions in the southernUnited States. Recognizing this deficiency in food systems planning and limited research capability in this arena,the Department of Community and Regional Planning carved out an area of interest to support research in multidimensional sustainable food systems (SFS) planning to educate its stakeholders. The target audience for the project includedstudents within the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences and at Alabama A&M University, the general public and the scientific community. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Hosted 1st Annual Conference - Planning for Progress, People & Sustainable Development in a Global Economy; Theme: Food Security, Community Health & Food System Sustainability: Connecting the Dots; June 29 - 30, 2017. Keynote Speakers: i) Dr. Ali Mohamed, Division Director, Environmental Systems Division of the Institute of Bioenergy, Climate and Environment, USDA-NIFA, Washington DC; ii) Dr. Earle Chambers, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Social Medicine & Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY; and iii) Subhashni Raj, Kaufman Fellow Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. Buffalo NY Other Effort Member, FY 2016 (USDA) Federal Plan of Work, Global Food Security Team-, 2015 - Current. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through several publications, conference presentations and the hosting of a conference entitled "Planning for Progress, People & Sustainable Development in a Global Economy; Theme: Food Security, Community Health & Food System Sustainability: Connecting the Dots" onJune 29 - 30, 2017. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Proposal submitted: Social Awareness and Public Acceptance of the Applications of Engineered Nano-scale Materials in the Agri-Food Industry ($300,000); submitted to the 2016 USDA-NIFA Capacity Building Grant Program. Herbert, B (PI), Kassama, L. (Co-PI), Oluwoye, J (Co-PI), Christian, C. (Co-PI) and Bennett, L. (Co-PI). (Proposal not funded) Publications HERBERT, B., Kassama, L. and Christian, C. (2017). Assessing Food Security and Local Food Systems for Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities in North Alabama. International Journal of Current Research (Accepted for publication) Herbert, B., Christian, C., Izeogu, C. and Babalola, O. (2017). Food Insecurity and the Food Store Environment in the Southern United States: A Case Study of Alabama Counties, African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 5(4):193-201. HERBERT, B.S. JOHNSON, N, ROBINSON, R. and BABALOLA, O. (2016). Food Deserts and Access to Health Food of Alabama counties. Journal of Alabama Academy of Science, 87 (1) pp 58 (Abstract Publication) WATKINS, X. and HERBERT, B.S. (2014). An Overview of the Use of Nanotechnology in the Agrifood Sector. Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science, 85(2): 118. (Abstract Publication) HERBERT, B.S. and WATKINS, X. (2014). Food Insecurity - Fact or Myth in Northern Alabama. Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science, 85(2): 116. (Abstract Publication) PRESENTATIONS HERBERT, B.S. (2017). Food Environment and Socio-Economic Characteristics in the Southern United States. Paper presentation, National Association of African American Studies, February 16, Dallas TX. HERBERT, B.S. (2016). Food Insecurity, food deserts & socio-economic characteristics of Alabama counties. Paper presentation, Alabama Academy of Sciences, February 17 - 19, Florence AL. HERBERT, B.S. (2016). Food Insecurity, Food Deserts & Socio-Economic Characteristics of Alabama Counties. Paper presentation, National Association of African American Studies, February 10 - 13, Baton Rouge, LA HERBERT, B.S. (2015). Initiatives and Strategies to Address Food Insecurity in Affordable Housing Communities in Alabama. Paper presentation, Housing Works, Conference, November 12 - 13, Perdido Beach AL. HERBERT, B.S. (2015). Food Security and Local Food Systems for Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities in Northern Alabama. Paper presentation, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, October 23, 2015. Houston TX. < >: "Food Security as a Function of the Food Store Environment in the Southern United States - A Case Study of Alabama's Sixty-Seven Counties" by Olayemi Babalola, ARD, Atlanta GA April 1-4, 2017; Advisor: B. Herbert Community Food Security: An analysis of food waste and waste prevention in selected households in Huntsville Alabama by Jalisa Neal, Department of Community & Regional Planning, Summer 2015 Community Food Assessment: Selected Food Store Location, Food Options and Availability in Huntsville Alabama by Tanzania S. Green, Department of Community & Regional Planning, Fall 2015 Geo-Spatial Assessment of Food Insecurity and Sources in Madison County Alabama by Jeremy McNeil, Department of Community & Regional Planning, Fall 2015
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
HERBERT, B., Kassama, L. and Christian, C. (2017). Assessing Food Security and Local Food Systems for Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities in North Alabama. International Journal of Current Research (Accepted for publication)
HERBERT, B., Christian, C., Izeogu, C. and Babalola, O. (2017). Food Insecurity and the Food Store Environment in the Southern United States: A Case Study of Alabama Counties, African Journal of Agriculture and Food Security ISSN 2375-1177 Vol. 5(4):193-201.
HERBERT, B.S. Johnson, N, Robinson, R. and Babalola, O. (2016). Food Deserts and Access to Health Food of Alabama counties. Journal of Alabama Academy of Science, 87 (1): 58
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Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this reporting period primarily included individuals who attended symposia and conferences sponsored by EPA Region IV (Atlanta), Alabama & Mississippi' State Chapter of the American Planning Associaion, the Housing Works Conference, Alabama Academy of Science, and the National Association of African American Studies (Baton Rogue). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has enabled training and professional development opportunities for both the PI and students. The PI presented at conferences including the Association of Colliegiate Schools of Planning, Housing Works, Alabama Academy of Sciences and the National Association of African American Studies. Both graduate and undergraduate students presented their research findings at the2015 EPA Global Youth Symposium, the2015 Alabama & MississippiJoint APA Conference, the 2015 Alabama Academy of Sciences Conference, the 2016 National Association of African American Studiesand Alabama A&M University's2016 STEM Day Conference. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were reported primarily through conference presentation and locally hosted symposia. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Students will present posters at EPA RegionIV ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH SYMPOSIUM on September 8 & 9, 2016. Project titles include:An Assessment of Alternative Sources of Energy for the Huntsville Alabama Metro Region;Presenter: Gerald Taylor, Graduate Student;Alabama Agricultural Land Use Change and Its Impact 1950-2012;Presenter: Lakesha Stewart Graduate Student Submit two articles for publication. Tentative titles: i) Food Insecurity and Food Store Density in Alabama Counties and ii)Obesity, Diabetes and Food Insecurity in the South: A case Study of Alabama Counties Develop, implement and analyze survey about requirements, barriers and opportunities for local foods in North Alabama Seek to respond to an RPF to continue research on healthy versus non healthy foods, socio-economic community characteristics and public health Host workshop on barriers and opportunities for local foods and solicit input from stakeholders
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the knowledge skills and planning capacity of Alabama A&M University's students and faculty for sustainable local food systems planning and linking this to the academic discipline of Urban Planning. The project has increased the access to information and dataon food systems in North Alabama. The data shows that there is significant potential for local food growth for the region. Data also indicate that while North Alabama farmers gained $267 million each year producing food commodities they spend $733 million buying inputs sourced outside of the region. North Alabama consumers spend $2.4 billion buying food each year but approximately $2.2 billion is sourced outside the region. This showsthat the total loss of potential wealth from the region is in the billions of dollars each year and this represents a significant opportunity to build and retain wealth. A key piece of knowlege gained is that afocus on local foods reduces distances from farm to plate and increases community self-reliance. Also of interest were barriers which include the potential for contaminated products which not only arises from sourcing food abroad but also from food distributed within thenational food system.The literature also showed that Alabama in general had high rates of diabetes, obesity and other diet related diseases which significantly impact the state's economic health. 70% of Alabama residents were overweight in 2010 and37% ofresidents weighed more than the recommended weight, while 33% (1 in 3 Alabamians) were obese. Medical costs for treating diabetes and related conditions in North Alabama are estimated at $594 million per year. Given these serious health and economic concerns, there is support for a strategy that promotes healthy food choices delivered fresh from local farms rather than sourcing food products from thousands of miles away. There is also an increased consumer demand for local foods anddecision-makers across the country at all levels of government are considering "local foods" as a long-term driver for job and wealth creation. In addition to the expansion of knowlegde about SFS, students increased their analytical, research and communication skills as evidenced by numerous presentations at conferences in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. This resulted in improvedknowledge and awareness among practitioners and resource professionals of the agronomic, biological and economic value of SFS to address sustainable agriculture. Four graduates completed their Masters Reports focusing on issues of the food system, enabling them to bebetter prepared to work in multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams. Increasedcollaborations is evidenced through the submission of a 2016 Capacity Building Grant on nanotechnology and the agri-food system. The team consisted of disciplines of Urban Planning, Food and Animal Sciences, Physics and Psychology.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Conference Proceedings/Presentations:
HERBERT, B.S. (2016). Food Insecurity, food deserts & socio-economic characteristics of Alabama counties. Paper presentation, Alabama Academy of Sciences, February 17 - 19, Florence Alabama
HERBERT, B.S. (2016). Food Insecurity, Food Deserts & Socio-Economic Characteristics of Alabama Counties. Paper presentation, National Association of African American Studies, Baton Rouge, AL February 10 - 13, 2016
HERBERT, B.S. (2015). Initiatives and Strategies to Address Food Insecurity in Affordable Housing Communities in Alabama. Paper presentation, Housing Works, Conference, November 12 - 13, Perdido Beach AL
HERBERT, B.S. (2015). Food Security and Local Food Systems for Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities in Northern Alabama. Paper presentation, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, October 23, 2015. Houston Texas
Tigner, D. and HERBERT, B.S. (2015). High School Location, Drop-Out Rates and the Presence of Food Deserts in Huntsville AL. Poster Presentation (Winner), Alabama - Mississippi Joint APA Conference, October 7-9, 2015, Perdido Beach AL
Johnson, N and HERBERT, B.S. (2015). Greenhouse Gases Generation in the Madison County Alabama and Engaging the Public for Creating Sustainable Communities. Poster Presentation at EPA Global Youth Symposium, October 1 -2, 2015 Atlanta GA.
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The main target audiences for this period included academia, including students and faculty of AAMU and other institutions of higher education. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students have been participated as attendees and presenters to conferences such asEPA's Environmental Youth Symposium, American Planning Association, the National Association of African American Studies and the Alabama Academy of Sciences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty disseminated information through poster and paper presentations at conferences such asEPA's Environmental Youth Symposium, the American Planning Association, the National Association of African American Studies,Alabama Academy of Sciences, the Alabama Alliance to End HomelessnessHousing Works and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Summer workshops will be held with the main goal of developing a framework for future action to promote a local,sustainable and equitable food system in the North Alabama region. Additional funding will be sort to look at other elements impacting the food system.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The specific activities undertaken under this outcome were paper and poster presentations on food systems planning, food deserts and food insecurity. These activities were dedicated to increasing the awareness of the general public and planning community to issues and challenges of food disparity. In October 2015, an undergraduate student, Mr. Dwight TIgner, presented a poster at the Alabama-Mississippi Joint APA Conference held in Perdido Beach Alabama. His topic was "High School Location, Drop-Out Rates and the Presence of Food Deserts in Huntsville AL" . This research attempted to determine if there is any correlation between high schools located in high poverty/food deserts areas and their dropout rates. His results showed that the presence of a food desert is highly correlated with graduation rates, median housing unit value and the percentages of high school graduates and persons with bachelor's degrees and higher. Findings revealed that instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these communities are served predominantly by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options. His results highlighted the importance of the Free/Reduced Lunch program in providing food assistance to students in impoverished areas In October 2015, Dr. Berneece Herbert presented a paper at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Conference in Houston Texas. The title of the paper was "Food Security and Local Systems for Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities in Northern Alabama". The overall goal is of the research was to develop a geographic picture of the region and cities at risk for food insecurity as well as the food resources available across the region. By noting places with high food insecurity risk and comparing them to places where food is available, analysis will indicate areas of unmet need. In addition, the research garnered options regarding the cost and benefits of a local food system for North Alabama, potential public benefits of expanding local foods systems focusing on public policies and programs that support local foods and the role of local food systems improving food security. This information will enable the Local Food Banks, City Planning Departments, and other partnering agencies to identify where initiatives addressing food insecurity and hunger could have the greatest potential impact and to increase the understanding of sustainable local food system planning. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a road map of strategies to share with government and human services agencies, and families struggling with food insecurity or hunger In November 2015, Dr. Berneece Herbert made an oral presentation at the Housing Works! Conference in Perdido Beach Alabama. This conference was sponsored by Collaborative Solutions, Inc. Her presentation, "Initiatives and Strategies to Address Food Insecurity in Affordable Housing Communities in Alabama" assessed changes in the food insecurity rate by Alabama counties and examined its relationship to different types of affordable housing. The ultimate intent was to develop strategies to incorporate food security strategies into affordable housing initiatives. The assumption was that an improved understanding of the relationship between housing circumstances and household food security could provide insights into the appropriateness of current housing affordability norms and assist in the identi?cation of interventions to address problems of food insecurity. The benefits of integrating food security into affordable housing were discussed in the context of outcomes for tenants and for housing providers. In February 2016, Dr. Berneece Herbert presented a paper on Food Deserts and Food Sources in Minority Neighborhoods in Madison County, Alabama at the National Association of African American Studies in Baton Rouge Lousiana. This study examined the food deserts tracts in Madison County Alabama, many of which are predominantly communities of color. The research also examined graduation rates, educational attainment and a variety of socio-economic indicators for these census tract communities and compares them to majority communities. In addition, food sources by type are identified to examine availability and affordability of a typical food basket within a five minute travel time of these communities. This research attempts to determine if there is any correlation between a variety of socio-economic conditions, including high school graduation rates, income, and employment and the presence of food deserts. In addition, the research assesses the true nature of access to food sources in these communities. In February 2016, Dr. Berneece Herbert along with three Graduate Research Assistants (Nicholas Johnson, Olayemi Babalola and Reginald Robinson) made a presentation at the Alabama Academy of Science Conference. This presentation examined the concept of food desert, access to affordable, fresh and healthy foods and the impact food access on communities. The research examined various social, demographic and economic indicators to determine whether or not there was a correlation between and among these indicators and presence or absence of food deserts and changes in food insecurity particularly focusing on minority neighborhoods in Madison County. This research attempted to assess the true nature of access to food sources in the study communities. The findings presented included that there was indeed a strong correlation between and among these variables and that income and location were strong determinants of food insecurity rates.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The main target audience for 2013 - 2014 were mainly students, both graduate and undergraduate. However, community stakeholders were targeted for the annual community-wide Future of the City symposium. The 2014 event's theme focused on "Healthy, Livable & Sustainable Communities within the Huntsville Metro Region: An Urban Development Perspective". Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student volunteered with The Food Bank of North Alabama (FBNA): Mid November of 2013, The Food Bank of North Alabama collected 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes donated by Cullman County farmers.Students volunteered to help bag the ten-tons of taters along with organizations at the Madison County Farmers Market. The sweet potatoes provided roughly 60,000 servings for families in need. The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference: (March 2-4 2014): Student attended the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington DC for three days of networking, training, and sharing innovative and creative methods of advocacy on behalf of low-income people that were dealing with hunger issue in communities worldwide. The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference brings together advocates from across the country for three days of networking, training, and sharing innovative and creative methods of advocacy on behalf of low-income people. The annual conference draws anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates; federal, state and local government officials; child advocates; representatives of food banks and food rescue organizations; sponsoring organizations and nutrition and anti-obesity groups, for three days of training, networking and Capitol Hill advocacy. Participants share information and learn how to strengthen the quality and reach of federal nutrition programs, learn best outreach and program practices from other states and localities, fill in the gaps in food service for millions of low-income children, and identify creative ideas for new and innovative approaches to ending hunger. Members of Congress, Hill staff and key Administration officials attend the conference, provide comments as part of plenary sessions and panels, and join participants at receptions and special events. Symposium of Child Hunger--Closing the Hunger Gap (March 14, 2014) - Organized by The Food Bank of North Alabama (FBNA), students joined with civic, education and businesses leaders to learn about and help end child hunger in North Alabama. Highlights included local programs, individuals, networking and collaborating to close the hunger gap How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Department hosted a community-wide annual Future of City symposium on the February 20, 2014. The theme was Healthy, Livable & Sustainable Communities within the Huntsville Metro Region: An Urban Development Perspective! Dr. Ali Mohamed, Division Director, Division of Environmental Systems Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture was the guest speaker with panelists from the City of Huntsville, a private development group and a regional council of government agency. Student participated in STEM Day Poster presentation. The topic was " Nanotechnology in the Food Chain" by Xantheia E. Watkins, Alabama A&M University, Normal AL 35762, April 2014 Paper Presentation: Food insecurity - Fact or myth in Northern Alabama. Berneece S. Herbert and Xantheia E. Watkins, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762 Presented at the Alabama Academy of Sciences, March 13, 2014 2014 Alabama Academy of Science Annual Conference: Students participated in the Student Poster Poster Presentations": i)Mapping food insecurity and food sources in the Huntsville, Alabama MSA. Jeremy McNeil, Center for Urban & Rural Research, Department of Community & Regional Planning, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762 and ii)An overview of the use of nanotechnology in the Agrifood Sector. Xantheia E Watkins and Berneece S. Herbert, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 3576 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? For the 2014 - 2015 period, the focus is on dissemination of the material gathered by at poster and paper presentations/publications. Also a focus is working with the Food Bank to develop a framework for a long term SFS plan for the region.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Expanded partnerships and collaborations with various city and community based organizations. Partners have become involved in activities such as the hosting of the Department's annual Future of the City Symposium, a forum designed for collaboration, networking and partnership to improved the health and wellbeing of the city and region. Expanded partnership framework has also provided significant opportunities for internship opportunities for students. One example of this is the partnership with the City of Huntsville GIS department which supplies data and maps for the project. The GIS department also serves as one of the agencies that provide experiential learning and hands on opportunities for students enabling them to have improved knowledge and become better preparted to work in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary terms using advanced science nd technology. A major accomplishment was the creation and expansion of databases on food sources, establishments and location, food insecurity and hardship rates as well as on health outcomes related to diet and consumption. Through the 2014 Future of the City symposium, stakeholders have improved their knowledge and awarenss of the agronomic, biological and economic value of SFS for sustainable agriculture.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this reporting period included students, educators, planners and anyone interested in local food systems in the Huntsville Metro Region. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One of the Graduate Research Assistants - Ms. Xantheia Watkins will be a co-presenter of a paper presentation on“Food Insecurity – Fact or Myth in Northern Alabama”at theNational Association of African American Studies (NAAAS) & Affiliates Conference in February 1, 2014 in Baton Rogue LA Both of the Graduate Research Assistants submitted abstracts to participate in the American Planning Association (APA) National Conference to be held in April 2014 in Atlanta Georga. They were both accepted to present posters. The titles of their presenations are as follows: Mr. Jeremy McNeil:Mapping Food Insecurity and Food Sources in the Huntsville Alabama MSA Ms. Xantheia Watkins: Enhancing Food Security and Distribution Systems in North Alabama. The students have also been accepted to present posters at the Alabama Academy of Sciences' Annual Conference to be held in March 2014. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? General information regarding food and sustainability was disseminated through the 2013 Symposium on the Future of the City, an annual event that draws a wide range of participants from the public and private sectors, other educational institutions, non-governmental entitities and individuals with an interest in the future sustainability of the North Alabama region. Results from the research will be disseminated through the paper and poster presentations at the NAAAS and APA Conferences in February and April 2014. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Students will continue collecting data on the components of the food system and develop thematic maps in GIS. Another Symposium will be held in February 2014. This theme for this event will focus on development of a local sustainable food system. Students will seek other avenues for experiential learning and presentations of their research findings A workshop will be held as a follow up to the discussion with the Executive Director of the Food Bank of North Alabama. This workshop will evaluate the food system using the specific indicators. In addition, a survey of various committees of the Food Policy will be conducted. A comprehensive literature review will be undertaken to document current understanding of urban agriculture and local food systems’ concepts, impacts and issues including: alternative definitions of ‘local’ foods; pieces of the local food puzzle - farmers, markets, consumption and waste recovery; the scope and limits of government programs and policies supporting local foods and of food system localization; the roles of urban agriculture and economic development, health and nutrition, food security, food miles, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The review will also cover social, market and political factors that influence local food system planning and how access to fresh and healthy food is incorporated into land use planning decisions. Using the results of the review, a purposive survey will be designed and implemented to capture key experts’ options regarding barriers and opportunities for local sustainable food production in North Alabama; potential public bene?ts of expanding local food systems, focusing on public policies and programs that support local foods; and the role of local food systems in improving sustainability. Survey participants will include selected municipal authorities, NGOs, producers, distributors, restaurant owners, hunger relief organizations, consumers and professionals from sectors not typically associated with agriculture such as economic development, tourism, education, health and transportation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
On Friday February 22, 2013 a symposium was held under the theme “Healthy, Livable and Sustainable Communities within the Huntsville Metro Region: We have apps for that!”. The overall goals of this event were to i) continue the dialogue on healthy living, community wellbeing and food security; Profile indicators and benchmarks for creating sustainable and healthy communities; and Facilitate networking and interaction among stakeholders, particularly the youth, using application software. The keynote speaker was Dr. Alice Ammerman, Director, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health & Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A panel of local experts focused on private and public sector perspectives of healthy, livable and sustainable communities. Panelists inclued representatives from Huntsville Hospital, North Alabama Community Care Inc, an Associate Professor from the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and three graduate students. This symposium supported the overall goal of the project which is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and planning capacity of Alabama A&M University's (AAMU) faculty and students for SFS design and management linking non-traditional academic disciplines of urban planning, GIS and land use, food science, and agricultural and supply chain economics. The intent was to help build capacity at the individual student and faculty level and at the college level resulting in increased ability to make informed decisions and training others about food and sustainability in the Huntsville Metro Region.This symposium was co-sponsored by the following agencies: the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG); the City of Huntsville (Operation Green Team & Office of Economic Development); Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES); and the Food Bank of North Alabama. Approximately 85 individuals attended the symposium. The attendees were mainly college students, educators, and representatives from the food industry and city planning. A major outcome of the symposium included broadening the dialogue on food, nutrition and community health;expanding knowledge, tools and research capacity of students and faculty; increasing the understanding of the role of urban agriculture and local food systems in improving nutrition and sustainability; and iii) strengthened community-campus partnerships. Other project accomplishments included data collection and analysis. Two graduate students were tasked with identifying and maping the characteristics and components of the local food system in North Alabama. They collected data for the Huntsville-Decatur Metropolitan Statistical Area by county. Data included detailed farms characteristics eg land, type, use, value sales etc and characteristics of farm operators from the 2002 and 2007 Agricultural censuses; location and operations of farmers markets and upick operations from the Alabama Farmers Market Authority; and the umber of food services and dining establishments from the 2002 and 2007 Economic Census. This data was used to create an excel spread sheet and students analyzed the data examining patterns and trends in the characteristics of the variables collected. The students began the process of developing thematic maps for the data in ArcGIS. We have also met with the Executive Director of the Food Bank of North Alabama to help evaluate the soundness and wellness of the current food system and to help to start the process for assessing the systems using a set of robust whole system indictors. She provided insights into concerns and issues faced by the transporting and distributing of food. She also provided opportunities for the students to gain experiential learning to activities hosted by the Food Bank.
Publications
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