Field Placement: Community Services Unlimited, Inc. (CSU)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Preceptor: Neelam Sharma, Project Director
Student Name: Katy Atkiss
Year: 2003

From May – December 2003, I worked as the Project Coordinator for the ACTION Project – Active Community To Improve Our Nutrition. This project is a food needs assessment of a small area of South Los Angeles, where the offices of the lead agency, Community Services Unlimited, Inc. (CSU) are located. Collaborators include the Healthy School Food Coalition, Blazers Safe Haven, Atlachinolli Front, and New Panther Vanguard Movement. A representative of each organization, as well as local students, make up the project Planning Group which meets bi-weekly to guide the project. The Project Director is Neelam Sharma, of CSU.

South Central Los Angeles is flooded with food stores that offer mostly high-fat, highly processed foods that do not contribute to, and can actually inhibit, correct growth of the body and mind. In the ACTION survey area alone, a ten by fifteen block area – including MLK Boulevard on the north, Slauson Avenue on the south, Western Avenue on the west and Vermont Avenue on the east – there are 50 fast food restaurants and 39 liquor stores/mini-markets, compared to only 8 restaurants and 4 supermarkets. In addition, supermarkets in low-income, minority areas are often dirtier and carry half the types of fruits and vegetables than stores in higher-income areas. Also, African-American and Latino populations have a higher incidence of obesity-related illnesses, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ACTION is dealing with the reasons for this inequality on the community level, because good nutrition is crucial for people’s physical, mental and social development; all of which are necessary for healthy, vibrant communities.

ACTION has organized and carried out a food needs assessment run entirely by volunteer power and in-kind donations. The assessment engaged residents, employees, students and congregations in the community in developing survey tools and thinking about food security and how it effects community health. The assessment asked people what they eat, where they shop, and what resources they would like available in the community. The survey was based on Participatory Appraisal, rigorous research proven to reach the normally socially excluded people by using more pictures and diagrams than words, in order to break down language and literacy barriers.

In addition to wrapping up survey activities and planning for the final report, I am also writing grants seeking funding for programs in response to survey findings. Programs will address the community’s main concerns, which to date have been identified as lack of cooking skills and knowledge of nutrition, and lack of resources where quality healthy foods can be obtained. ACTION has built partnerships with community members working on such issues to assist in program implementation.

Overall, ACTION works to help community members make healthier food choices for their bodies, minds, neighborhoods and environment. Our vision is that (1) the community understands the impact of food choices on their health and their environment; (2) community members, especially youth, are involved in promoting and sustaining nutritionh and food justice issues; and (3) the community has increased access to a variety of culturally appropriate, high quality, and affordable food choice.

Back to CHS Field Studies Placement Index | Back to CHS Field Studies | Back to Field Studies Home