COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT PLAN—PROBLEM SCOPE

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• Reflect on the social problem that you selected for your Final Project. Consider any changes you would make to how you framed the problem, based on feedback that you received from your peers and your Instructor last week.
• Review the Learning Resources on systems thinking. Consider how you would use the four challenges of change in Stroh’s (2015) systems thinking framework to better understand your social problem. In addition, consider the differences between using a systems approach and a conventional, linear approach to address the problem.
BY DAY 7
Submit a 2-to-3-page paper (not including a title page or reference list) that addresses the following components of the Final Project.
• State the Problem You Selected. Provide a succinct statement that articulates what you currently know about the problem, based on what you learned from your peers, your Instructor, and/or the Learning Resources this week and last week.
• Reframe the Problem. Explain how the problem has been framed in the past. Then, reframe the problem using people-first, strength-based language. Be sure to incorporate any feedback that you received from your peers or Instructor last week.
• Apply Systems Thinking to Understand the Problem. Using the MCFL systems thinking framework from the Stroh text, describe the problem in terms of:
o Motivation: Why should things change?
o Collaboration: Who is affected and who are the stakeholders?

 

Sample Solution

Reframing the Social Problem with a Systems Thinking Approach

State the Problem Selected:

Based on previous discussions and feedback, the social problem I’ve chosen to focus on is food insecurity in urban communities. This encompasses the limited access to affordable, nutritious food that many urban residents face.

Reframing the Problem with People-First Language:

Traditionally, food insecurity has been framed as a problem of individuals or families lacking the resources to access food. While this aspect is true, it often overlooks the systemic factors that contribute to the issue.

Reframing the Problem:

We can reframe food insecurity as a challenge within the urban food system. This system encompasses all the stages of food production, processing, distribution, retail, and consumption within a city or urban area. When any part of this system malfunctions, access to nutritious food becomes difficult for some residents.

Applying Systems Thinking with the MCFL Framework

Motivation (M): Why Should We Address Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity has a far-reaching impact on individuals, families, and communities. It leads to:

  • Health problems: Limited access to nutritious food increases the risk of malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases.
  • Economic hardship: Food insecurity strains household budgets and forces individuals to make difficult choices between food and other essential needs.
  • Social inequalities: Food insecurity disproportionately impacts low-income families and communities, exacerbating existing social disparities.
  • Reduced community well-being: When a significant portion of the population struggles with food insecurity, it weakens the overall health and well-being of the community.

Addressing food insecurity fosters a healthier, more equitable urban environment with a stronger economic foundation.

Collaboration (C): Who is Affected and Who are the Stakeholders?

Food insecurity is a complex issue with numerous stakeholders. Here’s a breakdown of key players:

  • Individuals and Families: Those experiencing food insecurity are at the heart of the problem. Their needs and perspectives must be central to developing solutions.
  • Food Banks and Pantries: These organizations provide emergency food assistance but are often overwhelmed by demand.
  • Government Agencies: Federal and local governments play a role through food assistance programs and policy decisions.
  • Grocery Stores and Food Retailers: Their pricing, location, and product selection significantly impact access to healthy food within a community.
  • Farmers and Food Producers: Building connections between local producers and urban communities strengthens the food system’s resilience.
  • Community Organizations and Non-Profits: These groups work to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, indirectly impacting food insecurity.

Benefits of a Systems Approach:

By adopting a systems thinking approach to food insecurity, we move beyond band-aid solutions and focus on long-term change. We can:

  • Identify interdependencies: Understand how different parts of the food system interact and influence each other.
  • Promote collaboration: Encourage stakeholders to work together towards shared goals.
  • Address root causes: Identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to food insecurity, such as poverty and lack of access to transportation.
  • Develop sustainable solutions: Create solutions that are long-lasting and address the complexity of the problem.

Contrasting Systems vs. Linear Approach:

A traditional, linear approach might focus on simply increasing the number of food banks or pantries. While this provides immediate relief, it doesn’t address the underlying issues within the food system.

A systems approach encourages a holistic view. It considers how food policies, transportation infrastructure, community development, and economic opportunities all contribute to food insecurity. By working collaboratively across sectors, we can create systemic changes that promote long-term solutions.

Throughout this project, I will continue to apply the principles of systems thinking to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity within urban communities. This will involve further research on specific strategies and initiatives that leverage collaboration between stakeholders and address the interconnected challenges within the urban food system.

 

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