Go Green Hamilton launches citywide food-system survey as part of larger assessment

Jeff Gambrell, volunteer services and community engagement manager for Serve City and a representative of Go Green Hamilton, asked Hamilton residents to complete an anonymous food-system survey and described follow-on focus groups he called "Food for Thoughts." The survey is 25 questions and "will remain open until the end of the year," Gambrell told council.

Gambrell said the assessment examines four areas—nutrition and food security, economic well-being, territorial equity (store placement), and environmental protection—and will use maps and partner input to identify where healthy food is available and where gaps exist. He listed partners including the city health department, Hamilton City Schools, Miami University Hamilton and Hamilton Urban Gardens and said the project aims to provide the data needed to pursue public and private grants.

Councilors asked about outreach and materials; Gambrell said flyers and business cards in English and Spanish are distributed across neighborhoods, and that the team will offer assistance for respondents who need help identifying their neighborhood. He also said focus groups and community events will follow the survey phase and that the final report is anticipated in Q1 2025.

The presentation highlighted affordability concerns, with Gambrell telling council that rising prices are forcing households to choose lower-nutrition, higher-calorie convenience foods. He framed the assessment as a first step to expand healthy options and to support grant applications to bring funding and programming to Hamilton.

Council members encouraged staff to coordinate distribution and asked for the presentation slides to be shared with council for follow-up. The presenter offered to return with the final report when available.

The city did not take legislative action during the presentation; staff indicated they will work with Go Green Hamilton on outreach and data-sharing as the assessment proceeds.