A Citizen Science and Photovoice Approach to Food Asset Mapping and Food System Planning

Area of Science:

• Urban planning and food systems research
• Community-based participatory research
• Food security and public health

Background:

• Traditional food asset mapping by planners often overlooks ecological and cultural dimensions crucial for community food security.
• Existing "assets" may not align with the lived realities and priorities of marginalized urban communities.
• There is a need for inclusive methodologies that capture diverse perspectives in food system planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply a citizen science photovoice approach for food asset mapping in Vancouver.
• To integrate diverse community perspectives, including "hidden" contexts and assets, into food system planning.
• To address limitations of traditional mapping in reflecting lived experiences of marginalized groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a citizen science photovoice methodology involving diverse participants.
• Employed photographic documentation and narrative sharing to identify food assets and contexts.
• Focused on community engagement within the City of Vancouver.

Main Results:

• The photovoice approach surfaced "hidden" food assets and contextual information previously unacknowledged in traditional mapping.
• Diverse community perspectives and lived experiences were integrated into the understanding of the urban food system.
• Identified critical ecological and cultural assets that contribute to food security but are often excluded from conventional mapping.

Conclusions:

• Citizen science photovoice is an effective method for inclusive food asset mapping.
• This approach enriches food system planning by incorporating marginalized community voices and overlooked assets.
• Integrating diverse perspectives is essential for building resilient and equitable urban food security.