Meeting Food Requirements - Central Edmonton Capacity Study

[Actual summary letter sent to all participants - November, 1994]

Thank you for taking time to speak to our volunteers about what Central Edmonton has in place for people having difficulty meeting their food requirements. Thanks to you and others we have been able to gather some very valuable information.

Why Was The Survey Completed?
There are people in Central Edmonton who have difficulty meeting their food needs. A concerned group got together to discuss the issue and agreed that a capacity study would be conducted to explore "What is available in Central Edmonton to provide food for those having difficulty meeting their food needs?" The philosophy of conducting capacity studies is to encourage building on the capacities of individuals and groups.

Who Was Responsible For Doing This Survey?
This survey was completed by two Dietetic interns working with the Caritas Health Group Community Development office. The results were reported to the concerned group and some of the respondents who were able to attend, on October 26, 1994.

Where Was The Survey Conducted?
This study was conducted within the boundaries of the river to the south, 124 Avenue to the north, 90 Street to the east and 124 St. to the west. Within these boundaries eleven community leagues exist, and this was determined to be an effective way to divide and organize the information.

How Was The Study Conducted?
Members of the concerned group were initially contacted to assist the surveyors in beginning to find food support resources in place in this community. A questionnaire was designed around the topic of "supports for food". Individuals from the various food support groups that were found were interviewed in person or on the phone. The information gathered from 94 surveys, was entered in a data base set up in Microsoft works.

What Were The Results???
Twenty-six different types of food supports were identified (see asset map). It was found that there is a large concentration of these supports in the McAuley and Boyle Street areas, and from there supports thin out.

What Are The Questions Emerging From The Study???

• What about consideration for adolescents and what about supports for together families to access programs? There are programs that are targeted to women, elementary school-aged children, and seniors.
• What about consideration of those living with HIV/AIDS and those with mental and physical disabilities? Few programs considered people with health problems.
• What abut people needing to meet their food needs in the evening or on the week-end? - Most programs operate during the weekdays.
• Is it necessary to track the users of the food supports? Some programs monitor the use of their services.
• Could these food supports be developed further to reach to the person as a whole, beyond the basic food need?

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