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31 <br /> III. FEEDBACK FOR DECISION MAKERS <br /> This section addresses community expert feedback that is applicable to County operations and the <br /> state of our County as a whole. Therefore, there are no specific recommended actions listed. This <br /> feedback should be considered in all actions the County takes to improve food access and center <br /> equity. <br /> "We're not giving out handouts, but, um, if there's more money to be shared, then share <br /> more money. You know what I'm saying? 1 worked hard all my life and I, you know, and <br /> I had to do this and 1 had to do that...in this situation, we have a whole lot more resourc- <br /> es, so the struggle should not be as bad." <br /> • We are a rich community and all the necessary resources seem to be here. No one <br /> should be going hungry or experiencing housing insecurity in a community like Orange <br /> County. <br /> "We want to know the data that they're getting. We want to know what the County is <br /> getting as data from these organizations that they said that they're doing so good, but <br /> our community is saying that it's not working." <br /> • The community needs to know what kind of data the county is getting from the service <br /> providers that show their program's impacts and how this informs their decisions for <br /> funding and other priorities. Community Experts need to be included to ensure the data <br /> and information accurately reflect community experiences. There is a desire for account- <br /> ability and to understand how these decisions are being made. If a program has existed <br /> for 10 or 20 years, what are the examples of directly impacted community members that <br /> feel supported by this program? Testimonials and other metrics of success should be <br /> shared openly with the public. <br /> "Can we get your boss to walk around the town to see what we want them to see? <br /> Cause 1 feel like you can read on a paper but you can't see it." <br /> • Elected officials and decision-makers should participate in simulation courses to make <br /> sure they understand the experiences of those in the community they are intended to <br /> serve. They need to ride the bus for a day and try to get to where they need to be on a <br /> Sunday. They also need to experience signing up for and participating in social service <br /> programs. <br /> 16 <br />