GIS Award Finalist: Hamilton City Council Kai Map – a community partnership initiative to address food insecurity in Hamilton
Tracks
GIS Room: Mokopuna
| Tuesday, November 19, 2024 |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Breakout Room Mokopuna |
Overview
Justine Kennedy + Stacy Mahon, Hamilton City Council
Speaker
Justine Kennedy
Product Owner - Geospatial
Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Council Kai Map – a community partnership initiative to address food insecurity in Hamilton
Project Description
In September 2024, Hamilton City Council launched the Kai Map, a digital tool to help Hamiltonians find free and cheap kai options in their local community. The Kai Map builds on the work of the Kai Collective, which was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Collective collaborates with more than 40 key community stakeholders, organisations and whaanau to provide access to food for people in Hamilton.
The Kai Map is a user-friendly online resource designed to address the rising cost of living and food insecurity in Hamilton. By providing a centralised platform for locating free or low-cost kai options, the Kai Map aims to ensure that all residents have an equal opportunity to thrive. This initiative aligns with Council’s vision of making Hamilton an even better place to live, work and thrive.
The Kai Map development was a collaborative effort involving the geospatial team, community services team, the Ministry of Social Development, and community centres in Hamilton. An agile methodology was adopted to ensure rapid iteration and refinement based on feedback from key stakeholders. The project was internally driven and resourced, minimising costs to the community and facilitating effective communication and change management.
Key features and benefits of the Kai Map include centralised access to food assistance resources; the Kai Map provides a convenient and easy-to-use platform for individuals to locate free or low-cost food options in their local area. It is owned and maintained by community centres, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging active participation from residents. By connecting surplus food with those in need, the Kai Map helps to minimise food waste and strengthen community ties. Finally, the project has raised awareness of food insecurity in Hamilton and inspired other initiatives aimed at promoting food sustainability and social equity.
The Kai Map has been met with widespread enthusiasm from Hamiltonians, who have embraced it as a valuable resource for finding affordable and accessible food options. The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing complex social issues and building stronger communities. The model has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to address pressing social issues in a collaborative and sustainable manner.
The Kai Map is a groundbreaking initiative that addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in Hamilton. By leveraging technology and community engagement, the resource provides a valuable solution for individuals facing financial hardship. The success of the Kai Map highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships and community-driven approaches in addressing social challenges and building a more equitable and compassionate society.
The Kai Map is a user-friendly online resource designed to address the rising cost of living and food insecurity in Hamilton. By providing a centralised platform for locating free or low-cost kai options, the Kai Map aims to ensure that all residents have an equal opportunity to thrive. This initiative aligns with Council’s vision of making Hamilton an even better place to live, work and thrive.
The Kai Map development was a collaborative effort involving the geospatial team, community services team, the Ministry of Social Development, and community centres in Hamilton. An agile methodology was adopted to ensure rapid iteration and refinement based on feedback from key stakeholders. The project was internally driven and resourced, minimising costs to the community and facilitating effective communication and change management.
Key features and benefits of the Kai Map include centralised access to food assistance resources; the Kai Map provides a convenient and easy-to-use platform for individuals to locate free or low-cost food options in their local area. It is owned and maintained by community centres, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging active participation from residents. By connecting surplus food with those in need, the Kai Map helps to minimise food waste and strengthen community ties. Finally, the project has raised awareness of food insecurity in Hamilton and inspired other initiatives aimed at promoting food sustainability and social equity.
The Kai Map has been met with widespread enthusiasm from Hamiltonians, who have embraced it as a valuable resource for finding affordable and accessible food options. The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing complex social issues and building stronger communities. The model has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to address pressing social issues in a collaborative and sustainable manner.
The Kai Map is a groundbreaking initiative that addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in Hamilton. By leveraging technology and community engagement, the resource provides a valuable solution for individuals facing financial hardship. The success of the Kai Map highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships and community-driven approaches in addressing social challenges and building a more equitable and compassionate society.
Biography
