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How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline? Read the challenge brief

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Mission #1
Explore Vibrancy
Share your definition of what vibrancy looks like where you live. Find out more...
Mission #2
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Tell us about the cities and communities you know are currently struggling or in the process of revitalising. Find out more...
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Take some time to get active and explore your own community – then report back what you learned. Find out more...
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Interview someone living in a struggling city or region to learn more. Find out more...
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Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

Food Walks - Discover what EVERY city has to offer

The foodies' equivalent of pub-hopping... usually organized for areas that have a specific local cuisine but too much variety for those who want to discover the best food without the luxury of time...
There is probably nothing more common in all people from all over the world, apart from the fact that we all breathe air, drink water and eat food. And even though air and water pretty much feel and taste the same everywhere (for the most part, at least), food is where the real difference lies.

Every nation, culture, subculture, religion, sect or community of people has a distinct identity when it comes to food - forget that, every person makes food a different way and every time most people make food, it tastes just that li'l bit different. If our experience of our food in our worlds is itself so fleeting, why not discover more while we're at it.

Connecting with people (friends, strangers alike) over food is so much better than trying to connect over religion or politics or any other common interest group. There is no question of difference in food choices leading to any kind of conflict because everyone understands that food is a highly subjective and personal choice that every individual has the right to make.

And if you enjoy food, what better way to discover what a new city has to offer than to participate in a food walk... all you need is curiousity, a healthy appetite and two hours of your life to experience food like you've never tasted it before.

Note: Just be sure to express your food restrictions (based on health, religion, beliefs, etc) at the beginning of the food walk.

Needless to say, interest in food can move mountains... people will travel, invest money, set up businesses, create cultural experiences... just to get a taste of a heavenly paani puri in Bombay or Rogan Gosht in Delhi or fried crabs from a street vendor in Bangkok.

For all you know, the cities on economic decline that we're referring to might just find out that their cuisine is just what the rest of the world has been waiting for!

Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

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Bryan

Bryan's profile photo delete comment
December 05, 2011, 04:01AM
This is a great way to give small businesses some publicity. Lacking any overhyped or overpriced restaurant joints, these cities are probably rich in unique food experiences that are just waiting to be explored.

The exciting challenge would be how to attract visitors to these cities for the food walks so that new capital is circulated.
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Meena Kadri

Meena's profile photo delete comment
December 05, 2011, 03:03AM
Fabulous thoughts Kamal – looking forward to hearing more on this in the upcoming Concepting phase. Make sure you post it again there too – and meanwhile you might like to check out the Feed Your Idea section here: http://bit.ly/oi_inspire Hoping to see more of you on OpenIDEO.
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