Project Overview
- Collaborating community – Somali Bantu refugees in Lewiston, Maine.
- Partners – Muhidin Libah, Executive Director of Somali Bantu Community Association (SBCA); Hilowle Aden, Community Advocate Coordinator in SBCA.
The project is a multi-phase initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among the Somali Bantu refugee community in Lewiston, Maine. It consists of three phases: planning and engagement, implementation, and sustainability and expansion. The program’s idea prioritizes healthy nutrition balance by enhancing capacity and establishing initiatives that can be maintained and expanded upon in the future. The project’s impact goes beyond the immediate alleviation of food insecurity, as it has the potential to serve as a model to resolve the issue in other vulnerable populations.
The program seems vital because it deals with the issue disproportionately affecting the community. The representatives have already faced numerous challenges in their journey to resettle in the United States. Moreover, by empowering individuals to take an active role in improving their access to healthy food, a sense of community pride and ownership can be fostered. Appropriate nutrition options ensure that the community’s unique dietary needs and preferences are considered and respected. Finally, an emphasis on sustainability will result in long-term improvements in health and well-being, as well as develop a framework for food security.
Goals
- To establish a community food pantry and garden;
- To provide nutrition education to community members;
- To train and empower volunteers and community members to take an active role in project implementation and management;
- To monitor and evaluate project activities.
Outcomes
- Improved access to healthy food;
- Increased awareness;
- Community engagement and empowerment;
- Sustainable community food pantry and garden;
- Better health and well-being;
- Framework for future security initiatives;
- Long-term collaboration in the field.
Project’s Essentials
Food insecurity is a significant concern for the Somali Bantu community in Lewiston, Maine. Many families struggle to access healthy food, which can lead to a range of problems and exacerbate existing challenges such as poverty (Wheelock, 2022). The project aims to address these issues by ensuring resources and support to increase access to food.
There is evidence showing the relevance of such an undertaking. According to Mucino (2022), Somali Bantu migrants in Lewiston, Maine, actively engage in farming to provide for their families and build community. However, as noted by Conway (2023), the farmer’s market system has experienced instability, which requires immediate action. Although the refugees have developed a significant harvesting method, room for improvement and adjustments are still present.
It might be assumed that the problem may have detrimental effects on the well-being of individuals, particularly those with low-income backgrounds who do not have access to proper food choices. As reported by Clements (2021), Lewiston’s poverty rate in 2000 was 46%, which demonstrates how disproportionally affected the refugees in the United States (para. 1). The project will empower community members to play an active role in dealing with the issue and promoting great eating habits through a community-led approach. Furthermore, it prioritizes sustainability by building capacity and establishing initiatives that can be maintained and developed in the future. The potential impact goes beyond the immediate alleviation of the mentioned pressure as it has the patterns to serve as a model for other vulnerable populations.
The needs that the mentioned program aims to fulfill can be formulated as follows. Firstly, access to healthy food will be the primary focus. Secondly, education and resources are needed to support healthy eating habits. Thirdly, it improves food security and reduces the risk of hunger and malnutrition. Fourthly, it is increased community engagement and empowerment.
The project will consist of several important activities, ensuring its coherency and significance. In particular, establishing a food pantry will offer appropriate food options and basic necessities like hygiene products. Then, it will be essential to provide nutrition education sessions to the members to promote healthy eating habits and support overall wellness.
Moreover, the development of a local garden can enhance the current harvesting practices inherent to the community and ensure the associated engagement and education. The final activity in this vein is to train and empower the representatives to take leadership roles in the project and encourage volunteerism. This will foster sustainability, as well as contribute to a great community spirit.
The stages are as follows: the initial one is to identify funding sources for the project. These can be partnerships with local food banks, community organizations, and healthcare providers. The following phase is recruiting and training the required staff and volunteers. Then, it will be essential to conduct a series of community needs assessments to define a specified range of food-related needs and barriers. The last stage is to establish a food pantry and community garden, which will imply a considerable extent of dedication and effort.
At this point, it seems reasonable to describe the project’s outcomes. First, it is increased community engagement and empowerment, through which the program aims to empower the members to take crucial roles and foster engagement. This will help to build community capacity and promote sustainable initiatives.
Secondly, it is improved nutrition and overall wellness outcomes for the members. Such a condition will be ensured by education and promoting healthy eating habits. It will result in a reduced risk of chronic diseases like obesity or diabetes, which can disproportionately impact low-income and immigrant communities.
Thirdly, by forming partnerships with local food banks, organizations, and healthcare providers, the project targets to strengthen the associated interconnections and increase collaboration among institutions. This will be a foundation for coordinated efforts, as well as support sustainable initiatives. Finally, by promoting community-led programs and building capacity, the project will support service arrangements in the area that can be replicated and expanded upon in the future. Referring to the provided information, the project will be a basis for long-term food security and welfare for the affected individuals.
Plan and Budget
The project has an exact number of phases, including engagement, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The following is a proposed timeline for the initiative, along with a suggested budget. Here, it should be noted that the latter will depend on a variety of factors, including the scope of activities, the number of staff and volunteers involved, and the availability of resources and funding. The formulated funds are an estimate and will rely on the changing conditions. The project team should regularly monitor and adjust the funds as needed throughout the whole process of realization.
Phase 1: Planning and Community Engagement (Month 1-3)
Community needs assessment: $5,000
Partnership development: $2,500
Staff and volunteer recruitment: $5,000
Plan and budget development: $5,000
Total cost for Phase 1: $17,500
Phase 2: Project Implementation (Month 4-12)
Community food pantry and garden: $50,000
Nutrition education sessions: $10,000
Volunteer and leadership development: $5,000
Monitoring and evaluation: $5,000
Total cost for Phase 2: $70,000
Phase 3: Sustainability and Expansion (Month 13-24)
Sustainability plan development: $10,000
Dissemination of findings: $5,000
Expansion and replication exploration: $5,000
Total cost for Phase 3: $20,000
Overall total cost: $107,500.
References
Clements, W. (2021). Somali refugees in Maine: Social capital in non-urban Communities. Fletcher Journey Project. Web.
Conway, A. (2023). inclusive, accessible, and successful: Is it possible? A Case study analysis of how to curate an enduring justice-centered farmers market in Lewiston, ME. Standard Theses, 316. Web.
Mucino, A. (2022). Somali Bantu refugees offer new roots and bountiful harvest in Maine. UNHCR. Web.
Wheelock, C. (2022). More Mainers visit pantries as food insecurity spreads. The Sun Journal. Web.