The University of California Cooperative Extension is recruiting local Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program decision-makers for participatory research aimed at keeping food dollars closer to home.
Each month, nearly $2 million in CalFresh benefits are used across Lassen, Modoc and Siskiyou counties. Even though many local stores and some farmers accept EBT, only a small share of those dollars goes toward locally grown food. This new project hopes to better understand why.
Led by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the effort focuses entirely on listening to the community. SNAP participants are invited to share their experiences through 90-minute small group conversations. The goal is to learn what makes it easy—or difficult—for people to buy local food.
“We want to hear directly from community members about what works for them and what would make a difference,” said Laurie Wayne, the UCCE’s Nutrition and Food Systems Advisor for Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou Counties.
Wayne noted that in rural areas, getting fresh food can take time and travel. At the same time, local farmers are producing food right here in the region. Finding ways to better connect those two pieces could help keep food dollars in the community, support small farms, and make fresh foods more accessible.
Local residents who receive SNAP/CalFresh are encouraged to apply. Participation is completely voluntary, and all conversations will be respectful, confidential, and focused on real-life experiences.
Participants are being selected now. Groups will convene in Susanville in July and August, with more to come, including a Spanish-language group in Tulelake in July. Selected participants will be compensated for their time with a $50 gift card.
Community input from these sessions will be used to develop practical ideas that reflect local needs and realities. Wayne added that the results may also help other rural areas facing similar challenges.
To learn more or sign up to participate, contact Laurie Wayne with UCCE Modoc at [email protected], call 1.530.233.6400, or sign up online at https://bit.ly/CalFresh-Research.
