About the Framework

This framework is a simple guide in evaluating, planning, and designing a social food experience.

The pyramid section of the framework indicates the different levels or goals of social engagement which a social food experience can help bring about. The goals are arranged in terms of the ease with which they can be achieved and the number of people on which they can possibly have an impact.

Levels of Social Engagement

The social engagement goals include:

Familiarity – a first level of social engagement; usually happens through observation.
Interaction – a next level of social engagement; involves social contact and exchange of communication.
Integration – an increased participation by members of the community who belong to minority or under-represented groups; usually based on gender, ethnicity, immigrant status, household income, etc.
Shared Culture - a shared way of life and traditions which binds a community together; may include cuisine, food production, food heritage, and festivals.
Social Capital – a shared network of relationships and resources which can be used to achieve community goals.

At the bottom of the pyramid is “familiarity”. This is usually the first goal, especially in a community where there is a high level of diversity. Given the simplicity of this objective, the social engagement objective of “familiarity” usually impacts a greater number of people. At the top of the pyramid is “social capital”, which is the hardest to achieve because of its need for a network of relationships and people who are committed to work for community goals. In between these two levels are the other levels of “interaction”, “integration”, and “shared culture”.

Elements Contributing to Social Engagement

Under the various social engagement goals or levels are six (6) important elements of the social food experience, which help deliver on the goals. These elements are: