IPTD-292
Food Asset Mapping
Description
From Stockton attachment
General Project Description: This project will consist of two phases. The first phase will represent the development of a New Jersey “Food Asset Inventory” and the second phase will use inventory data to develop an interactive GIS “Food Asset Map.” Most descriptively, the project will utilize State data to replicate, expand and enhance USEPA’s Excess Food Opportunities database and GIS mapping tool.
Under Phase I, multiple sets of statewide data will be assembled on both food waste generators (Food Waste Generators or FWG), as well as the network of food rescue organizations (Food “Waste” Sending Sites, or FWSS).
Phase II of the project, once comprehensive inventory data has been assembled, analyzed for accuracy and prepared geo-spatially, will involve GIS mapping. The net result at the end of the project will be a New Jersey specific Interactive Food Asset Map. The GIS platform will be developed for transfer to the NJDEP’s Bureau of Geographic Information Systems as the central repository for the State.
Problem Statement
See more at Stockton attachment page 4.
The wasting of food is not only costly to consumers, it has negative environmental impacts due to the enormous use of natural resources expended in getting food from seed to table. Large amounts of greenhouse gases are emitted in the farming, transporting, manufacturing, and disposing of food that is wasted. To produce food that is never consumed causes the useless expenditure of cropland, water, fertilizer, pesticides, labor, and energy. To help manage this problemt a GIS app will be created to help manage the distribution of left over, but useable food from institutional food generators to food pantries and other food rescue missions.
I have some experience in food recovery, having started a chapter of the food recovery network in college and also having worked regularly with food recovery organizations since 2021. I question whether a GIS map will be helpful for nonprofits. It does sound helpful for state agencies. However, non profits have different demands and different needs. Such as understanding what type of food that is available and connecting with the resources available. Simply being aware of the different organizations that exist may help them but there may be several concerns such as coordinating pick-ups and also finding and using the GIS lawyer. I would be happy to lend my assistance and my expertise if needed.
the program finalized the contract with Data Axle and DSWM is actively working with BGIS to complete the interactive map.
in discussions with DEPs OTPLA and the lawyers for Data Axle on an agreement that will enable DEP to utilize the company’s data on our proposed interactive map.
last email communications from 12/1/22 are attached.
DOIT is catching up to some previous planning meetings it was not a part of. We will seek to clarify the scope of DEP’s immediate and ongoing responsibilities as part of the project.