Project 2: Landscape Scan

Introduction:

In this case study, I will delve into a project conducted during my tenure at Boston Medical Center, where I led a quantitative landscape scan as part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a service blueprint for sustainable food systems. The project was a response to the challenges exposed by the pandemic, revealing weaknesses in existing food infrastructures. The primary objectives were to identify best practices, understand barriers to success in food programs, and explore how local food systems define and measure success.

 

Project Overview:

The project unfolded in two distinct phases, both underpinned by a human-centered approach. The first phase involved co-creating a year-long participatory research program with 14 local leaders actively engaged in food system work. Their insights were crucial in defining operational paradigms for food systems on a local level. Simultaneously, an advisory board of 20 established leaders in food systems and public health provided valuable perspectives on the fellowship program's structure and characteristics.

 

Focus on Phase Two:

The second phase, the crux of this case study, centered on guiding the next steps of the research project. Three key questions emerged: Which regions or areas of the country should the research focus on? What specific topics should be investigated during the participatory research project? How can the quality of the research be ensured?

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Quantitative Landscape Scan:

To answer these questions, a quantitative landscape scan was conducted, involving the identification of health metrics on a state-by-state level. The goal was to determine whether a hyper-local or broader focus was appropriate. Three case studies (Kansas, Illinois, and Mississippi) were selected to showcase varying rates of food insecurity and unemployment, emphasizing the need to go beyond raw data.

 

Research Methodology:

Research assistants were enlisted to collect and analyze data from all 50 states. Summaries of the findings were crucial in distilling complex information, highlighting nuances beyond simple metrics. The case study zoomed in on Illinois, where regional variations in food insecurity rates were illuminated, emphasizing the importance of understanding local demographics and nuances.

 

Results and Insights:

The presentation of the case studies to the advisory board sparked discussions on the sustainability of food systems. The focus on specific regions, such as Chicago, highlighted the impact of unemployment and demographic factors on food insecurity rates. The board emphasized the necessity of considering these elements in the ongoing research.

Guiding the Next Steps: The workshop with the advisory board led to valuable insights. The decision to focus on a national level rather than a specific region guided subsequent recruitment processes for the year-long study. Policy emerged as a significant aspect, influencing the structure of workshops and the integration of policy-related questions in the qualitative research phase.

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Conclusion:

The quantitative landscape scan provided a comprehensive foundation for shaping the trajectory of the research project. By strategically selecting case studies, engaging research assistants, and involving the advisory board in critical discussions, the project not only identified key issues but also laid the groundwork for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of sustainable food systems.