Community Food Assessment of Anthony, Chaparral, and Vado

Assessing Food Access and Awareness of Local Food Systems
in Rural New Mexico
A Youth-led Community Food Assessment of Anthony, Chaparral and
Vado, New Mexico
A Project of the Colonias Development Council’s Cultivando Tradición Program
Acknowledgements
We sincerely appreciate the residents of Anthony, Chaparral and Vado, New Mexico, who took
the time to engage with youth and answer the survey questions. We would not have been able
to complete the community food assessments without their valuable input. This project would
also not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the youth living in these
communities. We thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment. Integral to this
assessment is Dr. Lois Stanford, cultural anthropologist at New Mexico State University; Steve
Gabaldon, multimedia instructor at Chaparral High School; Monica Casteñeda, student intern
from New Mexico State University; Mark Vasconcellos, creative media technology professor at
Doña Ana Community College; St. Anthony’s Church in Anthony; Sonic Restaurant in Anthony;
St. Thomas Church in Chaparral; the Little Store in Chaparral; the Catholic Church in Vado; and
Farm to Table.
The project was supported by:
New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids, Healthy New Mexico mini-grant
USDA Community Food Projects grant
Colonias Development Council
Colonias Development Council
1050 Monte Vista Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88001
575-647-2744
http://www.colonias.org
All photos by Cultivando Tradición staff
February-September, 2010
1
Project and Data Summary
Poverty, hunger and food insecurity continue to affect the lives of many New Mexico residents.
Though food inaccessibility and hunger are prevalent in the entire state, in rural communities
these problems are exacerbated by geographic isolation, resulting in numerous barriers that
obstruct people from accessing healthy, nutritious foods. In 2006, the New Mexico Food Gap
Task Force was created to investigate some of the contributing factors to the border state’s
high levels of food insecurity and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. The findings reveal
that many of the state’s rural areas are food gaps—places where there are not enough food
outlets, where those that exist do not meet the needs of local residents, where nutritious foods
including fresh fruits and vegetables are not available or affordable, and where food outlets are
not accessible by existing transportation systems.
The communities of Anthony, Chaparral and Vado are located in rural areas in the southwest
region of the state. Youth in each location, as part of the Cultivando Tradición program, led
Community Food Assessments (CFAs) to gain a better understanding of food access, challenges
and barriers in their communities. The youth collectively created a survey that was conducted
in each community, working with New Mexico State University faculty and Cultivando Tradición
staff to design the questions, developing their research, interview and public speaking skills.
Through the surveys residents were asked to speak about (1) healthy food affordability and
availability, (2) food served in public schools, (3) growing their own food, (4) transportation and
locations of grocery stores, (5) farmers’ markets, and (6) for input on changes that could be
made to make healthy produce more available and affordable in their communities.
1) Food Affordability and Availability
Sometimes referred to as food deserts, residents in rural counties often have to travel more
than 20 to 40 miles each way to access grocery stores. The cost of fuel, as well as the increased
cost of low-calorie foods in rural areas, has had an undeniable affect on the health of residents.
Many are forced to make dietary choices based on economics rather than well-being, and may
be pushed to purchase cheap, energy-dense foods rather than fresh produce. Resulting in
devastating consequences, the Office of Border Health estimates that 75 percent of adults in
2
the border region are obese or overweight and 16 percent have diabetes. An additional 14
percent have pre-diabetes.
Residents in each community were asked if they thought healthy food is affordable in their
community, if local stores carried the fruits and vegetables they wanted to buy, and if there is
quality, fresh, and organic produce available in their supermarket. An overwhelming majority of
residents in each community responded positively to each of the questions. These results were
surprising and unexpected by the youth.
As a combined population, 67 percent of residents surveyed answered yes, that healthy food is
affordable in their communities. When analyzing this data, the youth expressed concern that
people may think about healthy food in different ways. The data is also questionable when
compared to the number of residents who expressed their use of food banks. For example, 71
percent of Vado residents said healthy food is affordable, though 45 percent said they had used
a food bank.
Youth also expressed concerns regarding the question about whether or not local stores carried
the fruits and vegetables residents wanted to buy. In Vado, an astounding 93 percent of
residents answered yes, though there are no grocery stores located in this community. Youth
began thinking about the use of the word local, and that for residents living in Vado, local may
mean driving to Anthony or Las Cruces to buy food. The reality of living in rural New Mexico is
complex—it is often common to drive several miles to buy food as residents may not have a
corner store to shop at. This complexity was also reflected in the survey question about
whether or not there is quality, fresh and organic produce available in participants’
communities. In Anthony, 57 percent of residents answered yes, though youth from Anthony
acknowledged that none of the stores carry organic produce.
2) Food Served in Public Schools
School meals are an important component in improving nutrition and reducing hunger in
children and youth throughout the United States. Free Lunches, Reduced Price Lunches, the
Summer Lunch Program and the Backpack Program are designed to reduce food insecurity and
to help children receive nutritionally balanced meals.
When community members were asked if they thought children are eating healthy, nutritious
and fresh food at school, a surprising number responded that they did not know. For example,
in Chaparral, 38 percent said that yes, children were eating healthy food, though 24 percent
answered that they did not know what their kids were eating. One youth involved in the
survey’s construction and implementation expressed that most kids likely do not talk about
what they eat at school with their parents, and that she did not discuss the food with hers.
3
Do you think children are eating healthy, nutritious, and fresh food at school?
Anthony
Chaparral
Vado
TOTAL
Yes %
51
38
43
44
No %
25
35
23
28
Don’t know %
19
24
34
25
No Response %
5
2
0
3
Total # surveys
84
82
56
222
3) Growing Food at Home
In communities across the nation, advocates and organizations are working hard to develop
solutions to health and nutrition concerns and to create innovative models that meet
community food needs. One of the ways to combat poverty, hunger and food insecurity is
through the promotion of home and container gardening, and participation in community
gardens.
Of all the survey respondents combined, 67 percent answered that they do not grow their own
food in a home garden, and 86 percent said they do not participate in a community garden.
Despite these numbers, it is important to note that about 1/3 of the population surveyed in
each community was in fact growing something in a home garden. In Anthony, 31 percent
answered that they were growing food in their homes, including tomatoes, chile, squash and
herbs. Reasons given included that “it tastes better” and “…I want my mom to eat more
healthy.” Others who responded that they did not grow their own food expressed that they did
not have time, or did not know how to garden.
Fewer than 15 percent of residents surveyed in each community expressed that they were
participating in community gardens. Reasons provided included that they did not know where
one was located, or did not have time. However, several residents said they would like to
participate.
4) Transportation and Grocery Store Locations
In rural areas, a scarcity of grocery stores and a lack of public transportation systems are
barriers to food access. Food choices are often limited, and as such residents may be forced to
drive long distances to buy food. The New Mexico Food Gap Task Force found that residents
sometimes had to travel as far as 70 miles each way to access a grocery store, a major
contributing factor to the state’s poor national ranking of food insecurity. Rising fuel costs,
coupled with a lack of public transportation in rural areas, aggravate the distance barrier to
food outlets.
The majority of survey participants answered that transportation was not a problem, results
that also surprised the youth conducting the surveys. Youth giving the survey in each
community expressed that they had seen elderly people walking in the heat of the day carrying
4
groceries, and that their parents sometimes gave them rides. In Anthony, 83 percent of
respondents said they had no problem with transportation. The youth analyzed that this high
number is likely caused by the fact that in Anthony there are several stores within walking
distance. If respondents did not have a car, they could walk to buy food as compared to
community members living in Vado, where no corner or grocery stores currently exist. In
Chaparral, where 63 percent of residents responded that transportation was not a problem, the
youth and Cultivando Tradición staff hypothesized that in order to live in Chaparral, a very
isolated community, it is necessary to own a car or have access to friends and family members
who do. Most community members work outside of Chaparral, in Anthony or El Paso, and must
have transportation already to do so. For residents living in Vado, one out of every three said
transportation was a problem, likely because they are forced to leave their community to buy
food.
The youth also realized that they conducted the surveys in places that most respondents had to
drive to in order to get there. For example, in Anthony, the youth surveyed some community
residents at Sonic Drive-In, and in Chaparral, most respondents at the Little Store also drove to
the location.
Is transportation a problem?
Anthony
Chaparral
Vado
Total
Yes %
7
18
23
15
No %
83
63
64
71
Don’t know %
0
2
0
1
No Response %
10
16
13
13
Total # surveys
84
82
56
222
A majority of respondents said that they drove outside of their community to Walmart and
Albertsons for their groceries, either to El Paso or Las Cruces. Big 8 and La Fería in Anthony, and
Stires in Chaparral, are also stores shoppers frequent.
5) Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets are another means by which to increase rural communities’ autonomy and
food independence. Farmers and ranchers can provide healthy fruits, vegetables and meats
directly to local communities through farmers’ markets, positively impacting food insecurity.
Buying local agriculture products also helps farmers and strengthens the local economy, as less
money is spent on transporting food in and out of the community. The New Mexico Farmers’
Market Association is working with market managers across the state to further break down
food access barriers that exist within farmers’ markets, including the wireless EBT program that
allows populations with food stamp benefits to shop at the markets. The association estimates
that there are about 44,500 food stamp recipients out of Doña Ana County’s 201,603
population that are able to buy fresh food from farmers’ markets using the EBT system.
Currently, there are established farmers’ markets in Las Cruces and Santa Teresa that use EBT,
and a developing market in Chaparral that plans to install the system next year.
5
Nevertheless, a majority of residents surveyed do not use farmers’ markets. With the exception
of Vado, less than 35 percent of those surveyed said they shopped at the markets. The higher
numbers in Vado, where 50 percent responded that they do use farmers’ markets, may be the
result of the reality that there are no grocery stores. As such, community members have to
drive to Las Cruces, Anthony or El Paso to buy food anyway, and are more likely to use farmers’
markets while there.
When asked why they did not shop at farmers’ markets, many of those surveyed said they did
not know where the markets were or that they existed, that the markets were too far away, or
that they were not open at convenient times. Those that shop at the markets said they do so
because the food is fresher and that it helps local farmers.
6) Community Input
The last question in the Community Food Assessment surveys asked for residents to make
suggestions for changes that would help make healthy produce more available and affordable
in their communities. The top recommendations of survey participants include: to grow more
food at home and growing more locally, to establish local farmers’ markets and farm stands, to
have better quality and fresh produce at local stores, to educate people more about the need
to eat healthier and to change their diets, to have closer supermarkets and to give farmers
more support from the community. The need for community participation and involvement
were also suggested.
6
Recommendations
In order to better understand the food gap in Anthony, Chaparral and Vado, it is necessary that
further work be done. Youth in each community should continue to develop the CFA data, and
participate in focus group discussions with residents on points needing clarification.
Furthermore, it is detrimental that the youth begin to network with other youth groups
pursuing community food projects, as well as policymakers and government officials, to build
awareness about challenges and barriers to food access in their respective communities and to
encourage positive changes that begin to address the food gaps.
Recommendation for food availability and affordability:
• Hold focus group discussions in each community to gain a better understanding of how
people think about healthy food, and also what their definition and thoughts are
regarding “local” stores.
• Talk with local store managers about carrying organic produce, and stocking their
produce sections with fresher fruits and vegetables. This should include trying to link
managers with local farmers and encouraging managers to buy local.
• Educate about what “local” means, including an understanding of where food comes
from, the costs of transport—both financially and environmentally—and the cost to
local economies. Youth could partner with other youth groups, teachers, and
community organizers to start an awareness campaign.
• Conduct an analysis of emergency food services in each community. There is no
directory or guide of resources. Determine if services could be more centralized, and
whether there is infrastructure to distribute food.
Recommendations for food served in public schools:
• Talk with the school principals, superintendents, and cafeteria staff about the desire and
need to have fresh produce available in school lunches. Work with youth to express the
importance of buying from local farmers.
• Promote school fundraisers that incorporate local food, including apple baskets and fall
festival activities.
• Send weekly lunch menus home with students, or post menu on school website to
encourage parents to become involved in their children’s diet.
• Show the CFA documentary made by youth in this project in a classroom or a
community meeting.
Recommendations for growing food at home:
• Broaden the untapped resource of people already growing food in their homes. One out
of four people in Chaparral are growing food. Hold community meetings to help
determine how to grow the population of people growing food at home.
• Promote gardening that does not take much time. Many people said they did not have
time to garden. Share methods that improve productivity and require less time, such as
7
•
drip irrigation systems, raised beds and container gardening for residents with limited
space. Partner youth with the backyard gardening groups already working in Chaparral.
Meet with community members to further discuss community gardens. If space is a
problem, what if it was provided? Partner with public offices, including nutrition and
public health offices, to possibly develop a garden on public land.
Recommendations for transportation and grocery store locations:
• Work with focus groups, other youth groups, local and state government officials, and
community members to discuss the reality of living in rural areas. Also promote
education on why food access is a human right, and that residents should not have to
drive long distances to buy healthy food.
• Continue survey analysis to obtain a bigger, more accurate sample of transportation
issues in the three communities. Choose survey locations in areas where people both
walk and drive to get there.
• Partner with local officials about public transportation. Access what systems already
exist, and discuss how to improve upon them.
Recommendations for farmers’ markets:
• Create a robust advertising campaign that educates residents about farmers’ markets,
where they are located, hours of operation, and the importance of knowing where our
food comes from.
• Partner with local health agencies to promote buying food from farmers’ markets.
• Encourage gardening at home, and help create spaces for people to sell their produce.
• Make markets more accessible, including working with market managers to establish
EBT systems and senior check programs.
• Develop a new market in Anthony, working with local growers, youth groups and
university students.
Recommendations for community input:
• Continue to meet with members in the community, and develop strong relationships
built on trust and a common interest to improve the food system in rural New Mexico.
Include community members in every step of the process.
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Concluding Remarks
The Problem
Food insecurity remains a problem in the United States, despite numerous efforts by state and
local governments to provide more access to food. Defined as a situation in which “access to
adequate food is limited by lack of money and other resources,” and the uncertainty of
availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, food insecurity affects millions of people.1
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2008 report, 14.6 percent of all U.S.
households were food insecure at some point during the year. Rates of food insecurity were up
from 11.1 percent in 2007, and were the highest numbers recorded since 1995 when the first
national food security survey was conducted. The report reveals that national rates of food
hardship tend to correspond with high levels of unemployment and increasing food costs.
However, not all residents are affected equally; household makeup, race and ethnicity, income
level and geographic location all contribute to food insecurity.
Tipping points of food insecurity include loss of employment, gaining a household member, or
loss of assistance. Immigrants and their families are particularly vulnerable to food hardship,
especially in light of changing immigration policy and welfare reforms. Living in rural areas
further attributes to food insecurity as the cost of food and the distance individuals must travel
to buy groceries is higher. Residents living in rural areas in New Mexico spend between 8-16
percent of their income on fuel costs, compared to the nation-wide average of 4.9 percent.2
Each dollar spent on fuel leaves one less dollar that could be spent on nutritious food. In
addition, many rural New Mexicans do not own automobiles, and without public
transportation, are forced to walk, hitchhike, ride with friends, or borrow vehicles in order to
make it to grocery stores.
Food insecurity is also directly linked to health, especially in relation to obesity, heart disease
and diabetes. Obesity was commonly identified with high income levels and overconsumption;
however, today it is more associated with poverty. The real cost of fresh fruits and vegetables
has increased by 40 percent from 1985-2000, while the costs of fats, oils and soft drinks have
decreased by more than 10 percent and 20 percent respectively.3 Less nutritional food,
including fats and sweets, are the lowest-cost dietary option available for many low-income
earners who cannot always afford nutritional, low calorie foods. Higher body weight and
obesity leads to an increased risk of serious disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
1
Haering, Stephen A. and Shamsuzzoha B. Syed, “Community Food Security in United States Cities: A Survey of the
Relevant Scientific Literature,” John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, 2009.
2
New Mexico Food Gap Task Force, “Closing New Mexico’s Food Gap: A Report on Food Access in New Mexico,”
Submitted to Governor Richardson and the New Mexico State Legislature on November 30, 2008.
3
Haering and Syed, 15.
9
Though a growing problem nation-wide, food insecurity is more alarming in border colonia
communities where vulnerable populations, migrant workers and recent immigrants often
reside. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 97
percent of colonia residents are Hispanic, with an average income of $5,000 annually. The
border region is experiencing rapid population growth, with a population estimate of nearly 12
million, a figure expected to double by 2030. If the border were made the 51st state, it would
rank last in access to healthcare, second in death rates of hepatitis, and third in deaths related
to diabetes with an estimated 1/3 of all children born in 2000 acquiring the disease.4 As a state,
the border would also rank last in per capita income and first in the number of children living in
poverty.
The New Mexico Food Gap Task Force also found that the cost of nutritious, low-calorie foods
in rural areas was much higher than those in grocery stores in urban areas. The price
differentiation can be somewhat attributed to a lack of competition in rural areas, though more
often reflects the increased prices small stores have to pay for their products, usually ordered
in smaller numbers and distributed from urban centers. The task force conducted a study on
food prices based on the USDA’s recommended food basket of nutritious items. The study
revealed that the same basket of food that cost $55 in a large urban store cost as much as $85
in a rural store. As such, it is not a stretch to assume that residents living close to smaller stores
may be drawn out of their communities to larger supermarkets. The local economy is not
stimulated when residents spend their money elsewhere because they have to leave to buy
food.
The impact of the food gap on the health of New Mexicans is undeniable. A report issued by the
U.S.-Mexico Border Diabetes Prevention and Control Project found that in 2002, 5.3 million
adults in the U.S.-Mexico border region were obese or overweight, with 1.2 million suffering
from diabetes. During this same year, diabetes was the fifth leading cause of death in El Paso
County, TX, and the sixth in Doña Ana County, NM. These two counties, part of the Paso del
Norte region, represent an increased risk of obesity related disease. Furthermore, in this region,
Hispanics are more likely to have been diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.5
What to do?
The realities described present multiple challenges for community members, local governments
and community organizations, and state and federal policymakers. In communities across the
nation, advocates and organizations are working to develop solutions to health and nutrition
concerns and to create innovative models that meet community food needs. More research is
needed to determine the access and barriers to nutritious foods in rural communities, including
44
Hayse, Duncan, “Overcoming Obstacles to Healthcare,” NMSU Research Magazine, 2004.
http://researchmag.nmsu.edu/2004?SU/f_oothc.html, accessed April 26, 2010.
5
Center for Border Health Research, “How Healthy are We? A Status Report on the Health of People in El Paso
County, TX and Doña Ana County, NM,” December 2006.
10
Anthony, Chaparral and Vado, which do not have access to a viable healthy food system as
compared to surrounding areas. Data gathered could be used to create alliances and
partnerships rooted in human security through access to viable and equitable food systems.
Unless changes are made soon the food gaps in rural New Mexico will continue to grow.
Community Food Assessments (CFAs) are tools that can be used to determine the level of
community food security. A Community Food Assessment “is a collaborative and participatory
process that systematically examines a broad range of community food issues and assets, so as
to inform change actions to make the community more food secure.”6 CFAs are solutionoriented, looking at assets, resources and problems. They promote community food security by
increasing knowledge about food-related needs and resources, by building collaboration and
unity, and by promoting long-term planning for change. Most importantly, CFAs can be of, by,
and for communities and their members, focusing on participatory research that directly helps
generate change.
This approach can be more challenging and time consuming than a top-down approach;
however, it can also bring about more important and long-lasting benefits fostered by
meaningful, equal participation. Participatory CFAs can bring in multiple perspectives that help
ensure that assessments reflect each particular community, helping to build ownership and
accountability to the process that works to build local support for CFA recommendations.
Collaboration also works to foster new relationships, and gives participants a chance to develop
skills in working with diverse groups and learning about food systems. And most importantly,
6
Pothukuchi, Kami, Hugh Joseph, Hannah Burton and Andy Fisher. “What’s Cooking in Your Food System? A Guide
to Community Food Assessment,” Community Food Security Coalition, 2002.
11
this type of assessment from the ground up helps to build a foundation to create long-term
change in communities.7
CFAs can take multiple shapes and forms. They can include multiple actors outside the
community, or only community members. A common form of gathering data for assessment is
using questionnaires or surveys. In developing questions for these methods of analysis, it is
important to keep in mind what the goal of assessment is for each community. Questions
should be centered around four main issues: (1) how things are occurring in the community in
terms of access to food, (2) why things are the way they are in each community, (3) what the
community would like their food system to look like, and (4) possible steps to help move the
community forward towards its goals. Questions should be available in both English and
Spanish to facilitate equality of participation. Particular attention should also be paid to random
sampling to ensure that a representative sample of the community is being included in the
research process. Surveys, whether conducted by phone, mail or in person, produce
quantitative data that can be statistically analyzed. However, this method should also be
balanced with a qualitative approach. Focus groups in each community are a useful tool for
gathering qualitative data for CFAs.
Youth-led CFAs in Anthony, Chaparral and Vado
One of Cultivando Tradición’s main goals is to help empower youth participation in local food
system development. This involves teaching children, youth and adults about the links between
food, health and the local economy, and building partnerships and networks that support local
food system development. By working with youth, we believe we are helping to grow the next
generation of food activists and engaged community members.
In the communities of Anthony, Chaparral and Vado, youth are starting to develop their
understanding of the food system. From October of 2009 through September 2010, youth in
each of these communities developed a CFA survey to assess food access barriers and
challenges. The youth, working with Cultivando Tradición staff and Dr. Lois Stanford from New
Mexico State University, led the development of the CFA from the beginning, including: creating
the survey questions, translating them into Spanish, picking survey site locations, contacting
and receiving permission to conduct the services, giving surveys to community residents, and
making a video documentary and photo archive of the process.
Cultivando Tradición staff chose to design the CFA as a youth-led participatory process. While it
would have been less time consuming to give youth working in each community a prepared
survey to use, we believe that the youth needed to be involved 100 percent from the beginning
in order to feel truly invested in the project. Through their participation, youth developed basic
knowledge of the research process and research skills, improved their public speaking abilities,
practiced interview techniques, developed a sense of responsibility and team work, thought
7
Pothukuchi, et al, p. 15.
12
more about the importance of eating healthy foods, and gained a better understanding about
food issues and concerns in their respective communities.
Next Steps
The youth-led CFAs conducted in Anthony, Chaparral and Vado are the first step in developing a
better understanding of food systems in rural southern New Mexico. Next, youth will present
their findings to community members, local officials and state representatives. The overarching
goal of the youth project is to determine what can be done to improve the local food system in
their communities. Their work has laid the foundation that community activists and local
representatives can build upon by demanding that more research be conducted.
Coordination among many different groups is needed to address and help close the food gap
these areas. This report has offered many recommendations that require cooperation in the
areas of food affordability and availability, food served in public schools, growing more food at
home, transportation and grocery store locations and farmers’ markets. Local organizations,
businesses and representatives can build off of the youth-led CFAs and learn more about food
challenges. They can also use this information to work towards developing positive solutions to
address poverty, hunger and food insecurity in their communities.
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Appendix A
Community Food Assessment Survey-English
Thank you for participating in this Community Food Assessment. All your answers will remain
confidential. The information from these surveys will be compiled and presented to the community in
an open forum. After the survey, you will have the opportunity to write down your contact
information to be invited to community forums, or receive more information about similar
community opportunities.
1. Do you think healthy food is affordable in your community?
Y/N
2. Do you think children are eating healthy, nutritious, and fresh food at school?
Y / N/ Don’t Know
3. Do you grow your own food in a home garden?
Why or why not?
Y/N
________________________________________________________________________
4. Do you participate in a community garden in Chaparral/Anthony?
Y/N
(For Vado/Del Cerro residents, would you like to participate in a community garden?)
Why or why not?
_________________________________________________________________________
5. Do local stores carry the fruits and vegetables you want to buy?
Y/N
If no, please explain what foods you wish local stores would carry.
_________________________________________________________________________
6. Have you ever used a food bank?
Y/N
Did you receive fresh produce? Y / N
7. Where do you buy your groceries?
How far is that from where you live?
Is transportation a problem?
8. Is there quality, fresh, and organic produce available at your supermarket?
Y/N
9. Do you ever buy your food at a farmers’ market?
Why or why not?
Y/N
10. What changes can you suggest that would make healthy produce more available in your
community?
What changes can you suggest that would make healthy produce more affordable in your
community?
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Community Food Assessment Survey- Spanish
Gracias por participar en esta evaluación de comida comunitaria. Todas sus respuestas son
confidenciales. La información de estas encuestas será compilada y presentada a la comunidad
en un foro abierto. Después de la encuesta, usted tendrá la oportunidad de apuntar su
información de contacto para ser invitado a los foros comunitarios, o recibir más información
sobre oportunidades comunitarias similares.
1. ¿Piensa que comida saludable es accesible en su comunidad?
S/N
2. ¿Piensa que los niños están comiendo comida saludable, nutritiva y fresca en la escuela? S / N/
No sé
3. ¿Crece su propia comida en un jardín de casa?
S/N
¿Por qué o porqué no?
4. ¿Participa en un jardín comunitario en Chaparral / Anthony?
S/N
(o para residentes de Vado/Del Cerro, ¿Le gustaría participar en un jardín comunitario?)
¿Por qué o porqué no?
____________________________________________________________________
5. ¿En las tiendas locales, tienen las frutas y verduras que usted quiere comprar?
S/N
Si la respuesta es no, por favor liste los productos que le gustaría que la tienda proveyera.
6. Ha ido a una dispensa?
S/N
¿recibió productos frescos?
S/N
7. ¿Dónde compra su mandado?
¿Qué tan lejos le queda de donde vive?
¿Es un problema la transportación?
8. ¿Hay productos de calidad, frescos y orgánicos en su supermercado? S / N
9. ¿Ha comprado comida en un mercado de granjero (farmers’ market)? S / N
¿Por qué o por qué no? _____________________
10. ¿Qué cambios sugiere para hacer más accesibles los productos frescos saludables en su
comunidad?
¿Qué cambios sugiere para hacer más moderados en precio los productos frescos en su
comunidad?
15
Appendix B—Data Tables
QUESTION 1: Do you think
healthy food is affordable in
your community?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 1 TOTAL
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
26
22
48
67
49
57
12
23
35
36
24
60
40
148
72
75
73
71
67
QUESTION 2: Do you think
children are eating healthy,
nutritious, and fresh food at
school?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 2 TOTAL
YES
#
QUESTION 3: Do you grow
your own food in a home
garden?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 3 TOTAL
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
31
51
42
1
2
1
1
39
45
84
13
8
21
14
70
26
25
26
25
32
1
2
1
1
3
1
2
1
%
NO
#
%
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
10
33
43
26
73
51
16
5
21
41
11
25
9
7
16
23
16
19
4
10
4
5
39
45
84
19
12
31
24
98
38
38
38
43
44
20
9
29
13
63
40
28
35
23
28
10
10
20
19
55
20
31
24
34
25
1
1
2
2
3
2
6
3
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
12
14
26
31
31
31
24
31
55
14
7
21
19
66
28
22
26
34
30
32
25
57
37
149
1
1
2
0
50
32
82
56
222
50
32
82
56
222
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
62
69
65
3
7
3
4
39
45
84
64
78
70
66
67
4
8
4
5
7
3
50
32
82
56
222
16
QUESTION 4: Do you
participate in a community
garden?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 4 TOTAL
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
5
1
6
13
2
7
28
43
71
7
3
10
6
22
14
9
12
11
10
QUESTION 5: Do local stores
carry the fruits and vegetables
you want to buy?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 5 TOTAL
YES
#
QUESTION 6: Have you ever
used a food bank?
YES
#
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
72
96
85
6
1
7
15
2
8
39
45
84
42
29
71
49
191
84
91
87
88
86
1
2
1
1
9
1
2
4
50
32
82
56
222
%
NO
#
%
34
35
69
87
78
82
5
10
15
13
22
18
39
45
84
44
25
69
52
190
88
78
84
93
86
6
7
13
3
31
12
22
16
5
14
50
32
82
56
222
%
NO
#
%
Church 11
Sonic 11
Anthony Total 22
28
20
26
18
34
52
Church 17
Little Store 6
Chaparral Total 23
25
QUESTION 6 TOTAL 70
34
19
28
45
32
28
22
50
30
132
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
1
1
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
2
0
TOTAL
SURVEYS
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
46
67
62
10
26
10
12
39
45
84
56
69
61
54
59
5
4
9
1
20
10
12
11
2
9
50
32
82
56
222
Anthony
Chaparral
Vado
17
QUESTION 7C: Is
transportation a problem?
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
14
7
32
38
70
82
84
83
22
13
18
23
15
33
19
52
36
158
66
59
63
64
71
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
25
23
48
65
52
57
10
20
30
26
44
36
44
23
67
48
163
88
72
82
86
73
5
7
12
5
47
10
22
15
9
21
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
7
1
8
18
2
10
39
45
84
6
7
13
7
28
12
22
16
13
13
50
32
82
56
222
Anthony
Church
Sonic 6
Anthony Total 6
Chaparral
Vado
Church 11
Little Store 4
Chaparral Total 15
13
QUESTION 7 TOTAL 34
QUESTION 8: Is there quality,
fresh, & organic produce
available at your supermarket?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 8 TOTAL
QUESTION 9: Do you ever buy
your food at a farmers’
market?
Anthony
Church
Sonic
Anthony Total
Chaparral
Church
Little Store
Chaparral Total
Vado
QUESTION 9 TOTAL
YES
#
%
NO
#
%
14
12
26
36
27
31
25
33
58
64
73
69
19
10
29
28
83
38
31
35
50
37
29
20
49
26
133
58
63
60
46
60
2
2
6
2
2
1
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
1
2
1
1
3
2
5
7
4
6
39
45
84
1
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
2
3
10
2
3
2
5
5
50
32
82
56
222
DON’T
KNOW
#
%
NO
RESPONSE
#
%
TOTAL
SURVEYS
39
45
84
2
2
4
2
6
4
6
5
4
3
50
32
82
56
222
18
Appendix C
Disaggregated Data for Surveys Conducted at each Site
Anthony Community Food Assessment Survey Data (St. Anthony’s Church) = 39 total surveys
QUESTION
YES
NO
Q. 1
26
67%
10
26%
12
31%
12
31%
16
41%
24
62%
Q. 2
Q. 3
Q. 4
5
28
13% 72%
Q. 5
34
87%
11
28%
Q. 6
Q. 7
5
13%
18
46%
32
82%
NO
SE
9
23%
No
ANSWERS
Response
1
2%
4
10%
3
YES: No Comment – (5)
7%
• It’s better/tastes better (2)
• Sometimes
• Only tomatoes
• Tomatoes, chile, squash, herbs
• It’s a custom
• Because I want my mom to eat more healthy
NO: No Comment – (8)
• Soil (2)
• Tried, no luck
• Don’t have a garden (5)
• Dogs
• I don’t know how
• No reason
• Don’t have time (5)
6
YES: No Comment (5)
15%
NO: No Comment (14)
• Didn’t Know (7)
• Didn’t know/would like to (2)
• No time (3)
• El trabajo me quitato apo
No: No comment (4)
• Good lettuce, onions, chiles, cilantro
10
26%
7
• # (3)
18%
• Big 8: 5 (13), 10 (2), cerca
• La Feria: 5 (12), 10(3), 30, cerca (3) #
• Albertsons: 5(2), 10(4), 20, 30, #
• Sam’s: 10, 30
• Walmart: 5(2), 10(3), 20(2), 30
• Lowes: 5(2), cerca(2), 20
• Street vendor: #
• Local store: 5
• Produce warehouse: 5
19
•
Q. 8
Q. 9
25
65%
14
36%
10
26%
25
64%
1
2%
Rio grande: 5
3
7%
Q. 10a
None: 1
1
2%
2%
10
26%
Q. 10b
None: 1
1
2%
2%
15
38%
YES: No Comment (17)
• Freshness (4)
• Freshness/helps local farmers (3)
• When we get a chance to go to Las Cruces
No: No Comment (4)
• Distance/too far (4)
• Didn’t know/forget we have one (4)
• I shop at Big 8
• Just Don’t
Create farmer’s market /veggie & fruit stands (13)
More supermarkets (2)
Education/More awareness of the need (2)
Use less pesticides (2)
Closer grocery
Cheaper produce
More consumers
Additional fruit & veggies
More gardens
More info in schools
More participation
Farm to School
Grow more locally (10)
Cheaper produce (7)
More local participation (2)
Improve the colonia
More producers
More places to buy
20
Anthony Community Food Assessment Data (Sonic) = 45 total surveys
QUESTION
YES
NO
Q. 1
22
49%
33
73%
14
31%
23
51%
5
11%
31
69%
Q. 4
1
2%
43
96%
Q. 5
35
10
78% 22%
Q. 6a
9
30
20% 67%
5
2
Q. 2
Q. 3
Q. 6b
Q. 6
Q. 7
2
4%
6
14%
4
9%
38
84%
NO
SE
No
ANSWERS
Response
7
16%
1
2%
1
2%
YES: No Comment – 4
• Like to garden/fun (6)
• It’s organic/health & economical (2)
• Veggies (1): tomatoes
• Family tradition (1)
NO: No comment - 2
• Don’t have time (10)
• No space (3)
• live in apartments (3)
• Too hard (2)
• Not interested (4)
• Never tried it (2)
• Land isn’t good (1)
• Going to try (2)
• Don’t have $ to start garden (2)
YES: No comment - 1
NO: No comment – 24
• Don’t know about it/where it is (5)
• Never tried it/thought about it (2)
• Not enough time (11)
• Don’t live in area
No: No comment – 3
• Produce with no chemicals/organic/healthier
(3)
• fruits and vegetables that are in season/fresh
(2)
• cheaper produce
• Apples
•
•
•
•
•
#
Walmart: 5, 10, 15(3), 20, 30 (5)
La Feria: 5(9), 10(2), 15(2), 20(2), 30
Sam’s: 15, 20
Big 8: 5(4), 20
21
• Albertsons: 10, 15, 20, 30
• Lowe’s: 5(3), 10, 20
• SaveMart of LC: 15
Anthony: 5(6), 15
Local Grocery: #
El Paso: #
Q. 8
Q. 9
23
52%
12
27%
20
44%
33
73%
Q. 10 A
None: 5
2
11%
4%
Q. 10 B
None: 5
1
11%
2%
2
4%
5
11%
YES: No comment- 4
• Better quality/fresher/organic (4)
• Prefer it/like it better (3)
• Like the home grown veggies and fruits
No: No comment - 9
• Don’t know what this is (4)
• Distance/too far /none around (5)
• Never been (3)
• Easier to buy at supermarket (1)
• Grow my own vegetables
• Don’t trust it
• Don’t have the time (3)
• I don’t know where one is (6)
Local farmers’ market (5)
Fresher produce (4)
Additional varieties (1)
Better quality at stores (4)
Education/change diets (3)
Have the community more involved
Grow more locally (4)
Cheaper food (3)
More gardens/grow it yourself (11)
Better advertising
Use less pesticides
Gardens/grow your own/grow locally (16)
More competition/supermarkets (1)
Fresh produce/products (6)
More farmers’ markets/local farmers market (5)
Cheaper , and better quality (5)
More assistance to farmers from community
22
Chaparral Community Food Assessment Surveys (St. Thomas Church) = 50 total surveys
QUESTION YES NO
36
72%
19
38%
14
28%
13
26%
20
40%
32
64%
Q. 4
7
14%
42
84%
Q. 5
44
88%
6
12%
Q. 6
17
34%
11
22%
28
56%
33
66%
Q. 1
Q. 2
Q. 3
Q. 7
Don’t No
ANSWERS
know Response
10
20%
1
2%
1
2%
4
8%
1
2%
6
12%
YES: No comment – 8
• I like it/fun (3)
• Healthy
• Grow veggies – tomatoes, chile (2)
NO: No comment – 5
• Land is dry/water (2)
• Don’t know how (4)
• Don’t have time (11)
• Don’t have garden/space (4)
• Too much work (3)
• Don’t have resources/$
• Age/too old
• Not yet/just moved to Chaparral
YES: No comment – 4
• To learn more about growing
• Liked working in comm. Garden
• Healthier for us
NO: No comment – 21
• Don’t know about it (7)
• Don’t have time (10)
• Don’t know where (2)
• Don’t have transportation (2)
NO: No Comment – 2
• More fruits & veggies (2)
• Fresher produce/in season (2)
Not applicable (5)
Food bank of El Paso: cerca
Various: 5 (2), #
Sam’s: 10
Food City: 5
JK Produce: 30
Chaparral: 15, # (2)
El Paso: 15(4), 30, #(3)
Big 8: 5(2), 10, 15(4), 20(3), 25(2), 30(2), #(2)
Albertons: 5, 10(3), 25
Walmart: 10(3), 15(4), 20(4), 25(2), 30(3), #, very
far
23
Lowes: 15, cerca
Stires: 5(6), 20(2), 30, #
Community Ft. Bliss: 25
5
10%
29
58%
1
2%
2
4%
Q. 10 A
None: 3
5
6%
10%
11
22%
Q. 10 B
None: 5
1
10%
2%
24
48%
Q. 8
Q. 9
44
88%
19
38%
YES: No comment- 11
• It’s cheaper (2)
• Healthier/better quality/fresher (6)
NO: No comment – 17
• Don’t know where (2)
• Too far (1)
• Don’t know of one (8)
• Too expensive (1)
Improve transportation/walkability
infrastructure (3)
Affordable prices (4)
More gardens (1)
Grow locally/more gardens (7)
More nutritious food at schools (2)
Supermarkets closer (3)
More variety of produce
Healthier/fresher food in local stores (5)
Farmers’ market locally/ farm stands (4)
Community participation
More farmer’s markets/stands/buy locally (8)
Grow more locally/grow your own (2)
Cheaper produce/vegetable coupons (5)
Better quality
Better advertising (2)
Better stores
More variety
24
Chaparral Community Food Assessment Survey Data (Stires/Little Store) = 32 total surveys
Question Yes No
No
Se
No
Answers
Response
10
31%
1
3%
24
75%
12
38%
7
22%
8
25%
9
28%
25
78%
Q. 4
3
9%
29
91%
Q. 5
25
78%
7
22%
Q. 6 A
6
19%
3
22
69%
3
4
13%
19
59%
2
6%
7
22%
23
72%
10
7
22%
20
1
3%
1
3%
2
Q. 1
Q. 2
Q. 3
Q. 6 B
Q. 7
Q. 8
Q. 9
YES: No comment – 4
• Healthier/fresher/better quality (2)
• So children can learn to grow
NO: No comment – 15
• Can’t afford it
• Don’t know how (4)
• Soil no good (2)
• Don’t have time (2)
• No space/rental
YES: No comment –
• To learn to grow
• Better community/lives
• I like it very much
NO: No comment – 20
• Don’t know about (5)
• Don’t have time (4)
No: No comment –
• Red cabbage, strawberries, potatoes
• Fresher veggies & fruits (2)
• Broccoli, berries, spinach, etc
4
12%
El Paso: 10, 15
Chaparral: 10
La Feria: 5
Whatever I am near: #
Stores with specials: 30
Sam’s: 25
Big 8: 25, 30
Albertsons: 15, 20
Stires: far(3), cerca(3), 10(3), 15, 20, 30(2)
Walmart: 10(3), 15(2), 20, 30(3), #
Little Store: cerca, 5, 15
YES: No comment – 7
25
31%
63%
6%
Q. 10 A
None: 3
3
9%
9%
6
19%
Q. 10 B
None: 6
1
19%
3%
12
38%
• Fresher (2)
• Local/grown in community
NO: No comment – 11
• Don’t know where/about one (7)
• Don’t have time
• Not open at a convenient time
Grow more locally/more gardens/farms (4)
Lower prices (2)
Grow your own (1)
Better stores w/ healthier food (5)
Education
Better/fresher produce (5)
Improve transportation
Supermarket
More stores/more competition (2)
Job opportunities/employment
Food assistance programs
Cheaper food (5)
Fresher produce
Farmers’ market more accesible, advertised, more
variety
Supermarket
Grow your own produce
26
Vado Community Food Assessment Survey Data (church) = 56 surveys
Yes
No
Don’t
Know
No
Written Answers
Answer
Q. 1
40
71%
14
25%
1
2%
1
2%
Q. 2
24
43%
13
23%
19
34%
Q. 3
19
34%
37
66%
Q. 4
6
11%
49
88%
1
2%
YES: No comment - 8
• Healthier (2)
• I like it (2)
• To learn (1)
• Its good to grow one (2)
• To save money (2)
No se tiene tiempo
Porque no tengo sembrado nada
NO: No comment - 12
• The land is not good/fertile (5)
• Because I don’t have land/there isn’t land
(3)
• Nunca me ocurrido
• I don’t know how (6)
• I don’t have time (4)
• Por las gallinas
• La compro
• Not a farmer
• Porque no tiene jardín (2)
• I only grow pecans
• Por conveniencia
(4 “No” respondents to Q.3 answered “Yes” to this
question)
Yes: No comment – 2
Me gusta
3 – were in the past but no longer are currently
No: No comment – 29
Didn’t know, would like to learn – 10
• Para crecer las verduras
• Para aprender más sobre jardín
• Para aprender y plantar nuevas cosas
• Si mi gustaría para aprender
• Para aprender
• Para saber sobre las plantas
• Nunca invitado y trabaja de tarde
• Quizás
• Ya no tiene un en Vado
• No sabes
27
Q. 5
52
93%
3
5%
1
2%
Q. 6
25
45%
30
54%
1
2%
Q. 7
13
23%
36
64%
7
13%
Q. 8
48
86%
5
9%
3
5%
Q. 9
28
50%
26
46%
2
4%
Q. 10 A
None:
6
11%
3
5%
16
29%
Porque falta transportación
Porque sembrarían sus propias verduras
No puede porque esta lastimada
Don’t have time – 8
• Si pero no tengo tiempo
• Porque no tengo tiempo
• No hay tiempo
• No tengo tiempo
• Porque tengo trabajo de noche y no sé
nada de jardines comunitarios
• No because I don’t have time
• No hay tiempo
No: No comment – 2
More fruits
Anthony: 5, 10, 15 (2)
• La Feria: 10 (8), 15 (5), 20 (3), 25, #
• Big 8: 10 (2), 20 (2), #
Berino: 3 blocks
Las Cruces: 10, 15
• Walmart: 7, 10 (4), 15 (6), 20 (11), 30, # (3)
• Lowes: 5
• Sam’s Club: 10, #
• Albertsons: 15
Tienda: 10
YES: No comment – 16
• Más saludable – 3
• Verdura/fruta más Fresca – 4
• Me gusta – 3
• Por lo cercas
• It’s local
NO: No comment – 15
• I did’t know there was one/where one is –
5
• There is not one here – 2
• No tengo oportunidad
• Never thought about it
• I only go to the store
• The produce could be contaminated
More farmers’ markets/stores (13)
• With healthier food (2)
Change our customs to healthier diet (1)
28
Q. 10 B
None:
7
13%
5
9%
17
30%
Additional/different fruits & veggies (2)
Help immigrants (1)
Better transportation (1)
Fresher products (1)
Community/individual gardens (8)
Grow your own (1)
Use recycled water (1)
Cheaper produce/more competition & demand
(12)
Refrigeration (1)
More gardens/grow your own (7)
A farmers’ market to sell more produce (1)
More produce/more variety (3)
More farmers (1)
More food stamps (1)
Less sugar (1)
29