Worcester Community Food Assessment

Full and original article posted on UMass Medical School

In 2023-2024, the Worcester Community Food Assessment (CFA) sought to understand the experiences of individuals and groups who face food insecurity in Worcester, Massachusetts. A Steering Committee oversaw the implementation of the CFA and analysis of the data. Members included representatives from:

  • Center on Food Equity
  • City of Worcester Division of Public Health
  • Greater Worcester Community Foundation
  • Prevention Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School
  • UMass Chan Medical School Division of Health Systems Science
  • Worcester County Food Bank
  • Worcester Regional Research Bureau.

The purpose was to: “To identify opportunities and gaps in the local food system to decision-making facilitate about areas for (big) investments to address food insecurity most effectively in the highest priority areas.” Assessment teams surveyed and conducted community conversations with Worcester residents experiencing food insecurity, surveyed food pantries to learn more about their experiences, and visited summer food program sites.

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