Collaborative Engaged Research: Rethinking Food Decisionmaking and Nutrition Education

Abstract

Methodology for collaborative engaged research (CER) has evolved through experimentation with integrating research into nutrition education programs for changing food and eating practices and improving community food systems. The collaborative engaged research (CER) approach is characterized by an asset‐based approach which focuses on strengths and opportunities rather than problems. CER projects take a family and community development perspective for creating sustainable food systems which nourish and nurture children across generations. The CER process builds on aspirations and identifies opportunities. CER is lead by interdisciplinary teams which include family and community food system stakeholders, practitioners, and academic researchers. Complex and multifaceted, CER facilitates dynamic communication patterns and develops relationships among community food system stakeholders (bonding social capital) and with external resources (bridging social capital) which builds individual, family, and community capacity for thoughtful personal and collective food decision‐making.