Community Engagement Through Food in Burlington

This document is a case study detailing the Food for Feedback event organized by Burlington, Ontario, aimed at enhancing community engagement. The event allowed residents to receive a free meal in exchange for their feedback on government programs while introducing them to the Let’s Talk Burlington online engagement portal. The study outlines the challenges Burlington faced in engaging its diverse community, particularly non-English speakers. To address these challenges, the city utilized EngagementHQ to promote the event and provided information in over 13 languages. The document describes how the event accommodated various dietary needs and ensured accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. In 2023, the event attracted over 2,000 attendees and resulted in more than 100 new registrations for the engagement portal. Additionally, it mentions a significant discussion regarding the use of fireworks, which garnered 50,000 responses, showcasing the community's active participation and the event's success in fostering inclusivity.