Vicky Karhu introduces how to conduct a Community Food Sovereignty Assessment as a way to realize and document the food and diet-related health story of a community through a community-driven and participatory process of information gathering. The assessment is a conversation-starter, a program planning tool, a fundraising tool, and a way to bring attention to the inter-relationships between a community's food, public health, and future food security. The information can reveal disparities and public concerns, community assets, and economic and health profiles. The results will provide direction for community health and wellness program planning with a focus on the food sources, habits,and needs of community members who will be served by future programs.

Learning Objectives:

This presentation was created to assist tribes working to strengthen their food sovereignty. After watching the presentation, learners will be able to:

• Understand the concept of food sovereignty and how it relates to health.
• Describe the basic seven steps for conducting a Community Food Sovereignty Assessment.
• Determine ways to use the data from a Community Food Sovereignty assessment to improve and strengthen public health and local food systems.

Format: web based/self study

Created/updated: 10/27/2017

Author and Presenter: Vicky Karhu