In parallel to the information gathered through the qualitative stakeholder interviews, it is key to undertake a review of existing research to complement the current findings and better understand what has already been learned by others. 

Collect existing research

Gather studies, reports and case studies on food insecurity, concentrating on those that are relevant to the community you’re focusing on. Take a look at local nonprofit organizations, local and regional food banks and universities or schools. Through their websites you might find annual reports, infographics, stats and assessments that can add content and support the foundation of your project.

Additional resources include:

• Feeding America: Map the Meal Gap  
• United States Census Bureau – Income & Poverty
• United States Census Bureau – Food Security
• Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) 
• Congressional Hunger Center
• World Food Prize Foundation

Use current, reliable data

Start by using the most up-to-date food insecurity data available. We recommend using resources such as Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap tool to determine and compare national, state and county food insecurity rates. Ensure that any projections or estimated data are clearly noted as such and aim to update these as official data becomes available.

Identify best practices

Analyze existing food security programs and successful models within the community and in other areas nearby, noting their approaches, challenges and outcomes. Develop a repository of best practices, even if it is an element of a particular initiative that was well executed. This will be helpful as you look to implement a more cohesive model in the community and/or leverage existing resources and skill sets.

Assess data trends

Look into local, regional and national data on food insecurity trends to understand the scope and evolution of the issue. Look into data published by the local government over the past few years and integrate this into your own database. Always look to identify and understand the methodology used to create certain data points to be able to showcase this in your own community assessment.

Select data points are available at HometownFoodSecurity.org.