Perspectives of Volunteers in Emergency Feeding Programs on Hunger, Its Causes, and Solutions

Abstract

Objective To understand the social beliefs of volunteers in emergency feeding programs (EFPs) regarding hunger and whether volunteer experiences broadened understanding of hunger. Design An interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods were used. Subjects Seventeen volunteers were recruited and interviewed from three EFPs. Analysis Interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results Volunteering in EFPs increased volunteers' awareness of the prevalence of hunger in their communities. More involved volunteers had a greater understanding of the life situations of the hungry. The volunteers felt that increasing self-sufficiency and private responses were appropriate solutions to hunger. The volunteers' attitudes and social beliefs were similar to those of the general public. Implications Interventions that facilitate interaction between volunteers and clients, promote reflection on volunteer experiences, and provide alternative viewpoints on poverty are needed to broaden volunteers' understanding of hunger and food insecurity.