Fostering Equitable Food Access and Healthy Eating through Social Innovation: A Description of the New Orleans Experience

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Persistent problems of poor diets and food insecurity call for novel approaches. In New Orleans, there was a tremendous surge in citizen involvement and social innovation after Hurricane Katrina. In the food sector, this work focused on improving food access and healthy eating by developing new organizations or transforming existing ones. Yet little is known about the scope, magnitude, and diversity of these efforts. This paper describes our effort to systematically catalog this work. Methods A comprehensive list of innovative organizations working in the food system was developed from local coalitions and other key stakeholders. An online survey of organization directors, fielded in the fall of 2017, collected information on their focus areas within the food system, geographic service areas, demographic priority groups, funding sources, and other developmental aspects. Organizations were contacted up to 9 times to encourage participation. Additional organizations were added by suggestions from respondents. A response rate of 75% yielded a final sample of N = 65. Results Organizations worked throughout the food system, focusing on gardening/farming (14%), food distribution (18%), nutrition education (11%), and food system sustainability (11%). Many innovated in multiple areas, for example, combining youth leadership with urban agriculture or business incubation with fresh food access. The vast majority (82%) were founded after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Most (77%) targeted low-income populations, and 10% worked in the Lower Ninth Ward or New Orleans East, African American neighborhoods with very low access to fresh food. Only 23% reported receiving federal grants, while 69% belonged to one or more coalitions. Conclusions An active NGO sector developed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to work on food and nutrition issues not addressed by government institutions. A majority of these organizations do not receive federal support and work as a part of a coalition. Our descriptive catalog provides an assessment of strengths and gaps in the system and an entry point for further investments. Insights from New Orleans on innovations in addressing poor diets and food insecurity may be useful in other urban areas where such problems exist. Funding Sources The Food Trust and DHHS HRSA #T79MC31883.