It takes more than food to nourish a community. It requires a coordinated effort that builds capacity across a system of food sourcing and distribution with seamless integration of economic and healthcare support for the whole family. Learn how the Bishop Parker Foundation is centering the collective voice of people experiencing food insecurity and the partners and leaders who assist them in Manatee County Florida.
Overview
The Bishop Parker Foundation, partnering with Creation in Common, embarked on a transformative initiative to address food insecurity in Manatee County. This case study covers the project’s journey from its inception through three phases, emphasizing the community-centered strategies that were pivotal in developing a collective impact effort for the region.
Project Background and Initial Scope
Initiated in 2023, the project aimed to address food insecurity by enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of local food distribution networks. Manatee County had a food insecurity rate consistent with the national average but contained pockets of significantly higher rates. The project’s objectives were to amplify the voices of those experiencing food insecurity, enhance the coordination among local agencies, and develop innovative solutions to ensure sustainable food access.
Phase I: Relationship Building and Initial Assessments
The first phase focused on building relationships and understanding the local landscape. Creation in Common conducted extensive community engagement through listening sessions involving stakeholders from various sectors including healthcare, education, and human services. In addition, relationships were developed and Creation In Common contracted with a group of individuals with lived experience– there role was to serve as Consumer Experts and participate alongside organizational leaders and provide insights throughout the process.
Phase II: Asset Mapping and Capability Assessment
The Creation in Common team developed a detailed asset map of food security resources and conducted a capability assessment of local food distribution organizations. This phase highlighted the fragmentation in services and the potential for a more coordinated approach to improve food access in underserved areas.
Phase III: Co-Creating Solutions and Strategic Implementation
The culmination of the project saw the implementation of co-created solutions based on the insights gathered in the previous phases. This included the establishment of a collective impact framework comprising four strategic pillars:
- Convening the Collective Voice: Enhancing coordination among food security stakeholders to streamline efforts.
- Data Sharing and Coordination: Leveraging data to improve decision-making and resource allocation.
- Building Capacity for Seamless Systems: Integrating food security efforts with health and human services to address holistic needs.
- Resourcing System Innovation: Encouraging innovation in food distribution and support services.
Impact and Reflections
This effort, still in-progress, is fostering a community-wide collaboration that empowers local leaders, organizations, and individuals with lived experience. By focusing on system-level changes and integrating services, the initiative seeks to set a precedent for addressing complex social issues through collective impact. The Bishop Parker Foundation’s role was pivotal as both a facilitator and a catalyst, ensuring that the project not only addressed immediate needs but also built a foundation for long-term sustainability.