Abstract
This study aimed to identify changes in food distribution operations at emergency food assistance organizations (EFAOs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. EFAOs across the Houston metro area, TX (human service centers and food pantries) as well as the Houston Food Bank (HFB) participated in the qualitative study. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus group (December 2020–February 2021), and coded using semi-structured thematic analysis. Categories were pre-identified based on the interview questions. Direct quotes supported subcategories. Directors from 18 EFAOs were interviewed; 8 HFB leadership staff participated in a focus group. Four major categories of change due to COVID-19 included new safety measures, changes in food distribution process, changes in volunteerism and staffing, and changes in amounts of food distributed. This study helps identify susceptibilities in EFAOs’ food distribution chain should be addressed to manage future emergency food insecurity crises more effectively. An understanding of the changes/challenges incurred by EFAOs during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform policymakers to ensure local food distribution organizations are prepared to fill the needs during future a crisis of food insecurity.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented increase in food insecurity fueled by an economic recession and increasing unemployment rates [1]
We present the qualitative findings reporting changes implemented in food distribution operations at Emergency Food Assistance Organizations (EFAOs) during the COVID-19 pandemic
EFAOs play an important role in the food safety net
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented increase in food insecurity fueled by an economic recession and increasing unemployment rates [1]. Many households experiencing food insecurity are not eligible for federal nutrition assistance programs and rely heavily on Emergency Food Assistance Organizations (EFAOs) to supplement their nutritional needs [2]. EFAOs are non-profit organizations that collect and distribute food to people in need. These include multi-functional human service centers (HSC) (those providing services in addition to food distribution such as temporary shelters, income or rent assistance, and other social assistance) and stand-alone food pantries (FP). EFAOs distribute foods acquired through donations from retail partners, individuals, and the Feeding America food bank network, of which the Houston Food Bank (HFB) is the largest in the nation [3]
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