Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
Presently in Massachusetts, one in three adults experience food insecurity. The problem is exacerbated by the high cost of living in the state, and its disproportionate effect on minority populations. To address these issues, this research has three major goals: 1) to educate community members working in the food insecurity field by providing a foundational understanding of the topic, 2) to provide the opportunity for stakeholders to network and meet others working in the field of food security, and 3) to share effective strategies for building strong, successful, sustainable partnerships and collaborations, which will create greater impact. For the purpose of this mixed-methods research approach, an in-person workshop titled “Building Partnerships to Address Food Insecurity in Chelmsford” was conducted in partnership
with the nonprofit Table of Plenty in Chelmsford, Inc. To evaluate effectiveness, a post- conference survey was used, along with observations of participants’ behaviors, questions, and discussions during workshop sessions. The results of this capstone helped identify the importance of providing ongoing opportunities for stakeholders to network to form collaborations that create greater impact when addressing food insecurity. It also drew attention to the need to make all community members aware of the issue and their part in finding solutions.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Diane M., "Building Partnerships to Address Food Insecurity" (2025). Community Engagement Student Work. 123.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/123
