Social Ecological Model and Dimensions of Food Access

Social Ecological Model and Dimensions of Food Access

In subsequent research and analysis of the Senior’s photo and narrative storytelling data I examined how the problems depicted in the photovoice could be mapped onto a social ecological model. The rationale for this secondary analysis of the photovoice data was to elevate the narratives and photos from the Seniors into systems, institutional, and policy related recommendations.

I wanted to demonstrate how a CBPR project could move through several stages to become actionable policy, program, and systems objectives starting with (1) “on-the-ground” discourse and dialogue among the relevant population; (2) followed by the development of a cohesive narrative; (3) resulting in a forward-facing public declaration of issues; (4) that can become actionable solutions.

The issues depicted by the Seniors in the photos, narratives, and video recording were mapped onto the social ecological model. This allowed the viewer to see and compare different social, political, and economic arrangements with downstream medical and individual activities that could be employed to address the problems.

Using a social ecological model to explore upstream and downstream solutions to rural food access for the elderly. Read paper here