For this assignment, you will writ e a preliminary thesis and topic outline based on the proposal paper attached below.

IProposal Paper Topic: Addressing Food Insecurity in North Omaha, Nebraska 1. Describe the Problem Food insecurity is a pressing issue in North Omaha, Nebraska, where many residents lack reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food. This problem affects low-income families, children, and the elderly, creating a cycle of poor health and limited economic opportunities. Organizations like the Food Bank for the Heartland and local food pantries strive to mitigate this issue, but the need continues to outpace resources. According to a report by the Omaha World- Herald, nearly 18% of households in North Omaha are food insecure, highlighting the severity of the problem IOmaha World-Herald] . 2. Identify Negative Impacts Food insecurity leads to numerous negative impacts, including: o Health Issues: Malnutrition and diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are prevalent among food-insecure populations. e Educational Outcomes: Children experiencing food insecurity often have lower academic performance, higher absenteeism, and more behavioral issues. o Economic Strain: Families spend a significant portion of their limited income on food, leaving less for other necessities like healthcare, housing, and education. 3. Identify Causes Several factors contribute to food insecurity in North Omaha: o Poverty: High unemployment rates and low wages limit residents' ability to afford healthy food. o Food Deserts: Limited access to grocery stores that offer fresh produce and nutritious options forces residents to rely on convenience stores and fast food. o Transportation Barriers: Many low-income families lack reliable transportation, making it difficult to reach stores that sell affordable, healthy food. 4. Describe a Solution To address food insecurity in North Omaha, a comprehensive approach is needed: o Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture: Establishing community gardens and urban farms can provide residents with access to fresh produce and create opportunities for education about nutrition and sustainable food practices. o Mobile Food Markets: Implementing mobile food markets that bring fresh, affordable produce directly to underserved neighborhoods can alleviate transportation barriers. o Food Education Programs: Partnering with local schools and community centers to offer cooking and nutrition classes can empower residents to make healthier food choices. 5. Specify Obstacles Potential obstacles to implementing these solutions include: o Funding: Securing enough financial resources to establish and maintain community gardens, mobile markets, and educational programs can be challenging. Community Buy-In: Gaining the trust and participation of residents, who may be skeptical of new initiatives, is essential for success. o Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating zoning laws and obtaining necessary permits for urban agriculture and mobile markets may pose difficulties. 6. Discover Information Gaps To better understand and address food insecurity in North Omaha, further information is needed on: Current Community Resources: An inventory of existing food assistance programs and their effectiveness can help identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration. * Resident Needs and Preferences: Surveys and focus groups with community members can provide insights into specific barriers they face and the types of solutions they would support. Best Practices: Researching successful food insecurity interventions in similar communities can offer valuable lessons and strategies. 7. Determine Proposal Audience The primary audience for this proposal includes: Omabha City Council: As decision-makers, council members can allocate resources and support policies that address food insecurity. o Local Nonprofits and Foundations: Organizations such as the Food Bank for the Heartland and philanthropic foundations can provide funding and support for proposed initiatives. o Community Leaders and Residents: Engaging local leaders and residents is crucial for ensuring community buy-in and participation. 8. Consider Audience Perspective The audience may have several concerns and questions, including: o Effectiveness: Will the proposed solutions significantly reduce food insecurity, and how will success be measured? o Sustainability: How will the initiatives be funded long-term, and what plans are in place to ensure they remain effective and viable? e Community Impact: How will these solutions affect the broader community, and what steps will be taken to involve residents in the planning and implementation process