An article from the SPUR's "The Urbanist" shares insight into the work of the Southeast Food Access Working Group (SEFA).
The Southeast Food Access Working Group (SEFA) is a large group of Bayview residents, community-based organizations, city agencies and others working to achieve a “vibrant and robust food system for all Bayview-Hunters Point residents” by improving food access, improving diet through awareness and education, and developing community gardens.
The article details some of the partners and studies that enabled SEFA's programs, as well as news that the model has spread to other parts of the city, including where the Tenderloin Healthy Corner Store Coalition (THCSC) is working to redesign two local corner stones to a more healthy model.
Moreover, the grassroots activism of SEFA and THCSC has gained institutional support in City Hall: "Recognizing that city agencies could help support these neighborhood efforts, Supervisor Eric Mar introduced legislation in 2013 that created the Healthy Retail SF pilot initiative, which is led by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) under Mayor Edwin Lee’s Invest in Neighborhoods Initiative, in conjunction with the Department of Public Health." The OEWD's "SF Shines" initiative, for example, will help corner stores making the transition to more healthy options in acquiring tools for rebranding and signage.
FULL STORY: San Francisco’s Healthy Corner Store Movement
Even in ‘Food Deserts,’ Independent Grocers Struggle to Survive
Government support has helped open stores in underserved communities, but cost and scale make it difficult for small businesses to survive long-term.
How Urban Design Impacts Public Health
With more and more people living in cities, designing equitably healthy urban spaces becomes a key question for policymakers.
The Relationship Between Walkability and Public Health
New research indicates that improving public health requires targeted investments in more than just pedestrian facilities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)