Goal #4: Our community fosters an equitable food system
In Douglas County we know that our food system privileges some community members and leaves others behind. We must confront the food system disparities that exist. A first step in fostering a more equitable food system, one in which all residents can benefit and prosper, includes looking at the “business as usual” processes within local government. Identifying and pursuing new partnerships and priorities can put the empowerment of traditionally marginalized populations at the forefront of local food system initiatives.
The Objectives and Policies in Goal 4 suggest actions that the community can take to ensure that healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate food is available to all in our community.
The indicators below can help us track our progress in achieving this goal:
Douglas County food insecurity rates
Overview
This indicator measures the percentage of residents experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity refers to USDA’s measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members, and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.
About the Data
Source: Feeding America
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: Food insecurity (both overall and child food insecurity) is on the decline in Douglas County.
Population receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Douglas County
Overview
This indicator shows the percentage of Douglas County households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
About the Data
Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates S2201
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: Enrollment in SNAP benefits is a reflection of need in Douglas County, but is also heavily influenced by state and federal policy. Understanding the SNAP "gap" - the gap between those eligible for the program, and those that actually enroll - would help further assess and respond to community need. This gap is not currently measured.
Average monthly participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Douglas County
Overview
This indicator shows the average monthly number of women and children participating in WIC per 1,000 population. WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services to Kansas families who qualify. WIC is the acronym for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
About the Data
Source: Kansas Health Matters
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: Douglas County is in the lowest tier of Kansas counties for WIC enrollment. The Kansas state average is 15.8 participants and the national average is 22.4 per 1,000 people.
Value of Double Up Food Bucks redeemed at Douglas County locations
Overview
The Double Up Food Bucks program (DUFB) matches every $1 SNAP recipients spend at participating farmers markets, farm stands and grocery stores in Douglas County with another $1 FREE (up to $25 more per day) so they can buy more fruits and vegetables.
About the Data
Source: K-State Research and Extension Double Up Food Bucks
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: The data represents the value of DUFB redeemed at two participating Lawrence locations (Cottins and Lawrence Farmers Market) since 2016. (DUFB “redeemed” is the number of tokens used to purchase locally grown foods at the markets). As of summer 2022, two grocery stores are participating as well, to be included in future data collection.
Pounds of food distributed at Just Food locations
Overview
Just Food is the food bank of Douglas County, supplying 29+ partner agencies with fresh produce, dairy products, meat, bread and pantry staples.
About the Data
Source: Just Food
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: This indicator accounts for all food distributed through Just Food's main location and partner agencies. The increase in 2020-2021 was due to the new programs and partners created in response to the need generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Number of recipients of food at Just Food main location
Overview
Tuesday through Friday, Just Food operates a food pantry out of their main building, serving 150-300 families daily.
About the Data
Source: Just Food
Update Frequency: Annually
Notes: This indicator accounts for the number of recipients at the main Just Food location at 1000 E. 11th St. Lawrence, KS.
Community Voices
Growing Common Ground to New Heights
In 2017, when the Douglas County Food System Plan (FSP) was first adopted, Common Ground, the City of Lawrence’s urban gardening and farming program, was already an established and robust effort.
Dining Out on “Purposeful Plates”
In early 2019, members of the Douglas County Food Policy Council (DCFPC) Goal 5 working group, which focuses on eliminating food waste through reduction, recovery, and diversion, partnered with Dr. Susan Harvey from The University of Kansas...