Developing the Feast for the Future Program through a Community Visioning Process

Abstract

Background: Three tribal communities in the Southwestern United States have a long-standing partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH).

Objectives: In response to community concerns about obesity, three tribal communities and Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health partnered to develop culturally relevant plans for a new program.

Methods: Using a "community visioning" process, a community advisory board (CAB) from each community identified opportunities, challenges, goals, and visions for their communities. The CABs consulted with experts in pediatrics, nutrition, food distribution, agricultural restoration, and community and school gardening.

Results: The CABs developed seven components for Feast for the Future: 1) Edible School Gardens; 2) Traditional Food-ways Education Program; 3) Community Gardens, Orchards, and Greenhouses; 4) Farmers Markets; 5) Farmers Workshops; 6) Family Gardens; and 7) a Mobile Grocery Store.

Conclusions: A community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) process was critical to developing a culturally appropriate program that built on community strengths.