The influence of community capital toward a community's capacity to respond to food insecurity

Flooding and food security: A case study of community resilience in Rockhampton

“…For example, Adger (2000, p. 361) has argued that the ability of communities to withstand shocks is especially relevant for resource-dependent communities experiencing environmental variability and social, political and economic upheaval. Yet, with the exception of Maybery et al (2009) and Crowe and Smith (2012), there has neither been much written about links between community resilience and food security in a developed nation, such as Australia, nor attempts made to identify specific adaptive capacities of societies affected by flooding (see for example, Keogh et al, 2011;Norris et al, 2008). This article seeks to address this gap by exploring the connections between community resources, well-being and food security through the lens of 'collective community resilience,' paying particular attention to the process of change these may or may not create.…”

“…These responses are often by-products of the combination and enactment of different types of collective community resources. By strengthening community relationships and assets (i.e., capitals), this perpetuates a self-reinforcing cycle of engaging community resources towards shared goals and objectives, which generates further capacity to adapt to future disturbance and change (Magis, 2010, p. 405; see also Crowe & Smith, 2012). That is, what makes a community resilient can also militate against vulnerabilities, and vice versa.…”

“…One exception is the work of Crowe and Smith (2012), who have emphasised the importance of social (i.e., networks, norms and trust) and cultural (i.e., values and beliefs) capital for a community's capacity to respond to food insecurity. They argue that higher levels of community capital, defined as combined social and cultural capital, and an 'asset-building approach to development' are more likely to lead to positive responses on food security.…”

“…Focussing on community-level resources or assets, such as social and cultural capital has been shown to be useful for explaining the capacity of communities to respond positively to the challenges of food insecurity, food accessibility and the quality and sustainability of food, and can provide insights into how best to raise levels of community well-being, food security and development in general (see Crowe & Smith, 2012). In Queensland, while the food sector as a whole had demonstrated 'reasonable resilience' during the floods of 2011, it was also acknowledged that there were 'severe limitations' in organisational arrangements (Australian Government, 2012, p. 8, 10;Walker & Bita, 2011).…”

Community Food Work as Critical Practice: A Faith-Based Perspective through Narratives

“…Second, many faith traditions have a philosophy to care for the poor (McGovern, Dole & Messer, 2005). Third, faith-based organizations generally have social and cultural capital that make them adept at engaging in social justice work (Rosenberger, Richards, Nevin Gifford, & Gossen, 2006;Todd, 2012); research suggests that high levels of social capital can increase a group's success at food systems change (Crowe & Smith, 2012).…”