Transformation update: Early learnings from network survey and listening sessions

We recently wrapped up the second phase of the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger’s yearlong transformation and strategic planning process, where we gathered input from our community of network partners. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts about the Blueprint and how it can evolve to better serve our Colorado communities!

From August through early October, we hosted multiple opportunities for folks to engage and give input, including an online survey, five virtual listening sessions, and two special sessions specifically for local and regional food coalitions across the state. Our online survey received 164 responses. More than 140 people participated in our five network listening sessions; some attended multiple times, which they were welcome to do. And we had 16 representatives in total at our two coalition-focused sessions.

Now, we’re delving into all of the information with our strategic planning partners at Point b(e) Strategies to better understand what you, our community, collectively think the Blueprint should focus on as we look to the future.

Here’s a little insight into the survey responses:

Nearly half (48%) of respondents have lived or living experience;
Almost 1 in 2 (48%) are Blueprint grantees; and
About 3 in 5 (59%) represent a nonprofit or community-based organization.

Respondents also shared what they saw as the Blueprint’s greatest successes – as well as areas that they’re interested in continued focus. The top three were: acting as a convener and connector; the Food Pantry Assistance Grant program; and legislative wins and advocacy work.

So far, the early findings are centered around five areas – much of which already align with the Blueprint’s vision of a Colorado where everyone who lives here can access the food they choose, where they want it, and when they need it. They are:

Increasing access to culturally, nutritionally, and regionally relevant food
Amplifying grassroots needs and priorities, supporting coalitions, and investing in local food production/ distribution
Connecting producers and communities
Increasing choice and autonomy (including for public benefits)
Decommodifying food and increasing corporate accountability

Three other common themes have emerged as well:

Convening, connecting, and communicating;
Community-informed policy and systems change; and
Trust-based funding and community investments

Watch my video message to learn even more about our early findings.

We’ll continue to review and make sense of all the findings and themes before we head into the next phase of strategic planning, where we’ll start to develop the Blueprint’s new framework.

I’m excited to see the Blueprint transform into a true community hub – a place of connection, collaboration, and positive change. More to come on our yearlong journey to evolve as a convener and connector and become even more community-centered!

Dolores Ramirez
Executive Director of Vision