A full Foodscape Assessment includes a broad set of methods, a deep level of engagement with community members and decision makers, and a multi-month or even multi-year timescale to complete. This comprehensive process is designed to inform and catalyse policy change, built environment improvements, and/or social programmes.
This website presents an 'entry-level' set of foodscape methods that can be tested with a minimal time commitment and without dedicated funding. These are intended to allow new users to test out the Thriving Foodscapes Approach, lobby for a more comprehensive Foodscape Assessment in your community, or educate others about the connection between food consumption, social patterns, and the built environment.
Keeping a research journal to collect your observations and insights in one place will allow for easier synthesis after using each of the methods.
There are 14 methods collected in four categories:
The Methodology
Understanding the Context
Create a research question, begin to get to know local demographics, and map key food places in your study area.
Observing Foodscapes
Use the web app Observing Foodscapes to observe people moving and staying, map the food places in your neighbourhood, and assess the quality of public space.
Listening to People
Explore a few ways to engage with the local community, decision makers, and other interest groups.
Crafting Insights
Synthesise initial insights from the data you collected and identify next steps to inform a comprehensive Foodscapes Assessment for greater impact.
Methods include:
→ Define the purpose
→ Get to know your context
→ Identify the right people
→ Map the macro foodscape
Methods include:
→ Intercept interviews
→ Targeted interviews
→ Online questionnaires
Methods include:
→ Observe movement
→ Observe stationary activity
→ Map food places at eye level
→ Assess the urban quality
→ Record qualitative observations
Methods include:
→ Form initial insights
→ Take the next steps