2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 12:15 PM - 4/10/12 1:30 PM

Content Area : Sociology & Anthropology

Poster Appointment: NONE

Student Presenters :
Ariel Ruth Fugate Interdisciplinary Studies

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Sarah Bowen Sociology & Anthropology

Abstract Title : Perceptions of Community Food Systems

Abstract :
Many scholars and policymakers have called attention to the severity and extent of the “obesity epidemic” in the United States. Although these trends have affected all major racial and ethnic groups, all regions of the country, and all socioeconomic strata, the largest increases in obesity rates have occurred among children and minorities (Olchansky et al. 2005). Most previous research has focused on individual eating behaviors while ignoring the wider structural factors contributing to these trends, particularly among low-income populations. This poster is part of a larger project that aims to better understand how “food environments,” which include social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors, affect childhood obesity patterns. The project adopts a participatory, community-based approach that ultimately allows us to join with the communities to transform research findings into action. It utilizes asset mapping, a participatory research technique commonly used in community health research, to allow research participants to identify existing assets related to food access and availability of safe places for physical activity in their communities. About 16 key stakeholders and 22 community members from Harnett County, North Carolina, took part in the asset-mapping exercise over two full days. The activities allowed them to work together to identify community food access and security, identify available resources related to food within the community, and develop priorities for future action. The community can apply for mini-grants through Dr. Bowen's larger grant to address these priorities. This poster highlights the activities in the asset mapping workshop and discusses the results.