To make sure that these maps are accurate and up to date, we will need your help. At least one volunteer per neighborhood can help maintain and update the maps for their area. The following are ways you can help!

1. In-Person Survey:
We need people to go out into the city and survey newly opened stores. We receive lists of food retail outlets from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (they are the ones who distribute health permits). However, these lists do not include phone numbers or indicate the type of food establishment (store or restaurant). Because much of the city is still without phone service, we need volunteers to visit these stores and restaurants in-person. This is also a fun way to get out in the city and learn about your neighborhood food system!

2. Phone Calling:
As you can imagine, many New Orleans food stores and restaurants change their hours of operation depending on the season and the number of employees available. We want to ensure that we have the most current days and times that businesses are open, so we need volunteers to call these food stores and restaurants to update their hours of operation.

3. Data entry:
We are incredibly proud of our on-line database system that was created by volunteer and professional web developer, Dave Cash. His work allows us to input data from any computer that has an internet connection and allows volunteers to work from their homes or favorite coffeeshops. We need volunteers to input new food businesses and add updates to our database.