Emergency Food Assistance Research Articles

Assessing the Relationship Between Emergency Food Assistance and Social Vulnerability During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Food insecurity is a major public health challenge that is associated with negative health outcomes in wealthy countries. In US urban areas, food banks and pantries played an expanded role in providing emergency food assistance and addressing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study seeks to determine if socially vulnerable neighborhoods are more likely to receive emergency food assistance during this pandemic, after controlling for distance to emergency food distribution sites and spatial clustering. The study area is El Paso County, Texas—an urban area on the US-Mexico border. Dependent variables represent both coverage and intensity of emergency food transfers (EFTs) from local food banks and pantries during November 2020, at the census tract level. Independent variables are derived from the widely used Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Our statistical analyses are based on multivariable generalized estimating equations that account for spatial clustering and proximity to emergency food distribution sites. Results indicate that both coverage and intensity of EFTs are significantly greater in neighborhoods with higher social vulnerability and proximity to emergency food distribution sites, but lower in neighborhoods that are more vulnerable in terms of housing and transportation. Our findings highlight the significance of neighborhood-level social factors in influencing access to the emergency food network during a public health crisis and have important implications for government agencies and nonprofit organizations associated with public health and emergency preparedness in US urban areas.

P058 Experiences of New Visitors Seeking Emergency Food Assistance Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity rates doubled, even tripled among households with children. In May 2020, Feeding America reported an average increase of charitable food use by 59% compared to the previous year across 98% of their network food banks. At that time, an estimated 38% of visitors were new to charitable food assistance.ObjectiveTo explore food insecure, first-time visitors’ experiences seeking food assistance during COVID-19.Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsA qualitative study design. Adults (ages 18-64) seeking food assistance at emergency food distribution sites in West Central Florida were recruited to participate in the study between November 2020 and July 2021. Individuals that were food insecure and first-time visitors due to COVID-19 participated in in-depth interviews (N = 18). Using food security as a multidimensional concept, the interview guide explored the impact of emergency food assistance on food availability, access, utilization, and stability.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisInterviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed on ATLAS.ti 22. Applied thematic analysis was conducted to identify emergent themes.ResultsParticipants were predominantly White (55.6%), female (72.2%), and between 40 and 59 years old (55.6%). There were seven salient themes including (1) crisis, added burdens, and barriers to pandemic assistance caused the need to seek food assistance, (2) fear of COVID-19 exposure and reducing risks, (3) new food purchasing behaviors to reduce spending, (4) pantry environments impact clients’ feelings, (5) pantry foods – hit or miss, (6) mixed quality of pantry foods, and (7) gaining firsthand insight on hunger as a societal problem and appreciation for services. These themes describe how emergency food assistance increased participants’ food availability and access during COVID-19, however, there were challenges in being able to use the pantry foods. Seeking food assistance made a difference in the way participants felt and impacted how they viewed hunger.ConclusionsStudy findings suggest that emergency food providers can support clients by helping navigate pandemic recovery as they experience food insecurity as a temporary situation.FundingUniversity of South Florida College of Public Health; Feeding Tampa Bay

Differences in Community Stakeholders’ Perceived Barriers and Needs to Improve Food Security for Families With Children Under 3 Years Before and During COVID-19

ObjectivesTo explore the perceived barriers and needs of different types of community stakeholders regarding services and resources to improve food security for families with children under 3 years before and during COVID-19. MethodsCommunity stakeholders (n = 32) working with low-income families with children ages 0–3 years in Florida participated in a 60-minute interview via Zoom. Participants included those working in healthcare (n = 7), community/policy development (n = 6), emergency food assistance (n = 6), early childhood development (n = 7), and nutrition education (n = 6). Trained researchers conducted interviews using a semi-structured script based on the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Crosstab qualitative analysis was used to compare data across different types of stakeholders. ResultsOverall barriers to providing resources and services to improve food security in families with children under 3 years included community individuals’ lack of knowledge of available resources and the stigma associated with applying for benefits. When further exploring these barriers by type of stakeholder, before COVID-19, early childhood and nutrition educators reported a lack of social marketing and community engagement as key barriers to providing resources and services while emergency food assistance providers stated limited funding restrictions. Community/policy development providers also expressed lack of community buy-in and motivation as their primary barriers. Stakeholders stated that while existing barriers remained, new challenges emerged due to COVID-19. Early childhood and nutrition education providers reported individuals’ lack of knowledge and access to technology as the main barrier, while healthcare and community/policy development providers reported fear of COVID-19 exposure and new safety protocols. Emergency food providers reported a lack of knowledge in accessing resources or services. ConclusionsUnderstanding pre-existing and emerging barriers to improving food security in households with young children can guide the development of effective policies and practices relevant to different types of stakeholders. Funding SourcesNone.

Stigma and emergency and community food assistance: ‘But… beggars can’t be choosers’

An increasing number of Australians are experiencing food insecurity due to rising costs of living and stagnant wage and welfare growth, as a result an increasing number of people are reliant on charity to meet their food needs. This research employs qualitative methods to explore the experiences of people who are reliant on emergency and community food assistance. The two main findings of this study are that people relying on charity often experience humiliation and embarrassment when accessing these services, and that when accessing theses services, they feel both judged and judgemental of others. Findings of this study highlight some of the challenges faced by people experiencing food insecurity and hunger.

Rising food insecurity and the impacts of the COVID pandemic on emergency food assistance in Michigan

This study of eight types of emergency food assis­tance organizations in Michigan, USA, is the first statewide study of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on the operations of these organizations. It focuses on the following question: How did the pandemic affect the operations of emergency food assistance organizations? The paper examines how the race/ethnicity of the organization’s director was related to program activities, the pandemic’s impacts, and responses to the pandemic. It offers new insights into emergency food assistance organ­izations operated by Black and multicultural direc­tors. The article examines how the sex of the emer­gency food assistance directors is related to pro­gramming, the pandemic’s impacts, and responses to it. Most studies of emergency food assistance focus on urban areas. In addition to studying organizations in the state’s metropolitan areas, we also study organizations in small towns and rural areas. The paper also analyzes two additional ques­tions: How did the government support the state’s emergency food assistance organizations during the pandemic? And how do organization leaders per­ceive government responses to the pandemic? The sample consists of 181 emergency food assistance organizations. Whites directed most organizations; 82.9% had a primary director who was White, 11% had Black directors, and 6.1% had directors from other racial/ethnic groups. The organizations studied are long-lived; they have been operating for a mean of 20.8 years. The organizations serve meals to an average of 79 peo­ple per day. They also provide food items to roughly 185 people daily. The pandemic had profound effects on the operations of emergency food assistance organiza­tions. About 28% of the organizations indicated that they cut back on their programming, and just over a fifth of the organizations limited their oper­ating hours. Moreover, 23% of the organizations reported that the number of restaurants donating food declined, while 18% percent reported a decline in supermarket food donations. However, 58.9% of the organizations increased the amount of food they distributed, and 61.3% reported an increase in the number of people seeking food from the organization. During the pandemic, White-run organizations obtained government funding from 19 sources, multicultural-led organi­zations got government support from 10 sources, and Black-run organizations received support from three sources. Forty percent of directors in all-Black-run organizations, 23.5% of those in multira­cial-led organizations, and 22.6% of the directors in all-White-led organizations criticized government responses to the pandemic.

Food system dynamics structuring nutrition equity in racialized urban neighborhoods

The food system is a social determinant of health and a leverage point for reducing diet-related racial inequities. Yet, food system interventions have not resulted in sustained improvement in dietary outcomes for underrepresented minorities living in neighborhoods with a history of disinvestment. Research is needed to illuminate the dynamics structuring food systems in racialized neighborhoods to inform intervention development. To conduct participatory research examining the complexity and inequity of food systems in historically redlined neighborhoods to identify feedback mechanisms to leverage in efforts to transform system outcomes for racial equity. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Cleveland, Ohio, USA from 2018 to 2021 using participatory system dynamic modeling with 30 academic and community partners, in-depth qualitative interviews with 22 key stakeholders, and public convenings with 250 local food policy council affiliates. Data were synthesized into causal loop diagrams depicting feedback mechanisms reinforcing or balancing neighborhood-level food system dynamics. We identified 10 feedback mechanisms structuring nutrition equity, which was identified as a meta-goal for food systems in racialized neighborhoods. Feedback mechanisms were organized in 3 domains: 1) meeting basic food needs with dignity (i.e., side hustle, government benefits, emergency food assistance, stigma, and stereotypes); 2) local food supply and demand dynamics (i.e., healthy food retail, job security, food culture, and norms); and 3) community empowerment and food sovereignty (i.e., community power, urban agriculture, risk of gentrification). Five exogenous factors moderate feedback dynamics: neighborhood crisis, neighborhood investments, household costs, government benefit funding, and voter participation. We identified nutrition equity as an overarching goal for local food systems, which reflects a state of having freedom, agency, and dignity in food traditions resulting in people and communities healthy in body, mind, and spirit. It is a transformative goal designed to spur system-level interventions that further racial equity through improved local food system dynamics.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security and Food Diversity of Iranian Rural Households.

With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, disruption of the domestic food supply chain, loss of revenue, and payments that affect food production have led to severe tensions and food security risks in many developing countries. The rural communities are more at risk of food insecurity due to less access to healthcare and social inequality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security and food diversity of rural households. The sample included 375 household heads living in the rural areas of Khorramabad county, which was determined using a three-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using standard Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaires. The results showed that the food security situation of rural households has deteriorated, and consumption of some food groups changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the multinomial regression model showed that gender, level of education, monthly income, number of employed members, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with the food security of households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The household head's gender, level of education, monthly income, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, providing emergency food assistance and cash payments to food-insecure households can reduce the risk of food insecurity in rural households. It is suggested that government policies focus on identifying vulnerable households in rural areas, especially female-headed households, low-income households, and households without a wage income.

Understanding the challenges faced by Michigan’s family farmers: race/ethnicity and the impacts of a pandemic

Michigan is a critical agricultural state, and small family farms are a crucial component of the state’s food sector. This paper examines how the race/ethnicity of the family farm owners/operators is related to farm characteristics, financing, and impacts of the pandemic. It compares 75 farms owned/operated solely by Whites and 15 with People of Color owners/operators. The essay examines how farmers finance their farm operations and the challenges they face doing so. The article also explores how the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic affected farming operations, the financial viability of farms, and how farmers responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The study found that People of Color farm owners/operators were younger than White farm owners/operators. The People of Color farm owners/operators tended to manage smaller farms for shorter periods than White farm owners/operators. Though two-thirds of the Farmers of Color owned their farms, they were more financially vulnerable than White farm owners/operators. The farmers studied had difficulty obtaining loans to finance their farms. Farmers reported increasing requests from people for food assistance during the pandemic. Farmers responded to the pandemic by participating in government programs such as the Farm to Families Food Box Program that purchased their produce. It allowed farmers to supply emergency food assistance programs with products from their farms. The products went to families receiving food assistance from soup kitchens, food banks, and other community-based nonprofits.

Community-Based and System-Level Interventions for Improving Food Security and Nutritious Food Consumption: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT As studies examining the effectiveness of food security interventions collectively are sparse, this review examined the most effective community-based and system-level interventions that have increased nutritious food consumption across food-insecure populations. Following PRISMA-guidelines, 22 articles included were classified into six categories: Educational and Behavioral Programs; Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programs; Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer; Discounted Food Options; Emergency Food Assistance Programs; and Multicomponent Programs. This review concludes that future considerations for positively impacting food security and nutritious food intake should give attention to community and system-level multicomponent interventions that address the specific social and economic barriers facing the target population.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Distribution at Emergency Food Assistance Organizations in the Southwestern United States: A Qualitative Investigation.

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.

Digital Strategies to Improve Food Assistance in Disasters: A Scoping Review.

Modern digital strategies, including Internet of Things, machine learning, and mobile applications, have revolutionized situational awareness during disaster management. Despite their importance, no review of digital strategies to support emergency food security efforts has been conducted. This scoping review fills that gap. Keywords were defined within the concepts of food assistance, digital technology, and disasters. After the database searches, PRISMA guidelines were followed to perform a partnered, 2-round scoping literature review. The search identified 3201 articles, and 26 articles met criteria and were included in the analysis. The data types used to describe the tools were text/opinion (42.3%), qualitative (23.1%), system architecture (19.2%), quantitative and qualitative (11.5 %), and quantitative (3.8%). The tools' main functions were Resource Allocation (41.7%), Data Collection and Management (33%), Interagency Communications (15.4 %), Beneficiary Communications (11.5%), and Fundraising (7.7%). The platforms used to achieve these goals were Mobile Application (36%), Internet of Things (20%), Website (20%), and Mobile Survey (8%); 92% covered the disaster response phase. Digital tools for planning, situational awareness, client choice, and recovery are needed to support emergency food assistance, but there is a lack of these tools and research on their effectiveness across all disaster phases.

The acorn squash problem: a digestible conceptualisation of barriers to emergency food assistance.

In common narratives of emergency food assistance, donors likely believe their efforts directly manifest as people consuming their donated food. For example, a person donating canned lima beans during a canned food drive may visualise someone eventually eating those lima beans. However, cultural and socio-economic barriers often exist that prevent people from accessing and consuming the donated food. These barriers are often complex and otherwise well-intentioned donors, volunteers and organisations may not initially consider them. This commentary article, which draws from existing US emergency food systems literature, uses the imagery of an acorn squash one might find at a US food pantry to conceptualise these barriers in a straightforward way. Examining emergency food assistance through the lens of the acorn squash problem can help donors, volunteers and organisations better connect with food-insecure people. The lens of the acorn squash problem also allows for deeper critiques of some practices of emergency food systems.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Food Supply in the Emergency Food System: A Case Study at 2 Food Pantries.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased demand for emergency food assistance and has caused operational shifts in the emergency food system.ObjectiveThis research explored how the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the food supply of 2 food pantries.MethodsA case study approach was applied to collect data during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food supply data were collected weekly at 2 food pantries in southwest Montana for 17 wk in 2020. Surveys and interviews were conducted with food pantry clients and staff, respectively. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were applied to analyze quantitative data. Food supply data were analyzed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, NOVA system, and Unprocessed Pantry Project (UP3) Framework. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data.ResultsThe food boxes collected between the 2 food pantries (n = 43) had a mean (± SD) total HEI-2015 score of 76.41 ± 7.37 out of a possible score of 100. According to both the NOVA and the UP3 Framework, 23.4% of the total food distributed was ultra-processed food. Of the food distributed, 50.0% and 48.3% was fresh, unprocessed food according to NOVA and UP3 Frameworks, respectively. From staff interviews, 3 themes arose that describe the food pantry operations that experienced change during the COVID-19 pandemic, including food procurement, distribution preparation, and food distribution. Nine supporting subthemes describing the causes and consequences of the operational themes were identified. Staff perceived that the nutrient quality of the food boxes increased from food distributed previously to the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas over one-third (39.4%) of food pantry clients who responded to surveys preferred the food box model.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous operational challenges within food pantries. Food pantries overcame these challenges by swiftly and effectively altering operations so as to continue to distribute nutritious food boxes to pantry clients.

Campus Food Pantry Use Addresses a Gap Among California Public University Students

ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with campus food pantry (CFP) visits and evaluate outreach strategies. DesignCross-sectional. SettingTen University of California campuses. ParticipantsUniversity of California CFP student users (n = 1,513) completed a survey in 2019. Variables measuredStudents reported reasons for CFP visits, how they heard about the CFP, monthly CFP visits, and food security status. Sociodemographic information was obtained through institutional records. AnalysisPoisson regression for associations of monthly CFP visits (dependent) with sociodemographic variables (Model 1), reasons for CFP visits (Model 2), and outreach strategies (Model 3). Logistic regression for associations between reasons for CFP visits and food security status (dependent; Model 4). ResultsOn average, students made 3.66 (SD, 4.75) CFP visits in the past month. Factors associated with more CFP visits included being first-generation to attend college, Filipino/Pacific Islanders, homeless, older, and male (Model 1). Not wanting to run out of food and hearing about the CFP through basic needs staff were associated with more CFP visits (Models 2 and 3). Students who visited the CFP because of financial insecurity had higher odds of food insecurity (Model 4). Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings suggest that CFPs provide critical emergency food assistance for students at risk of food insecurity.

Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on College Students' Dietary Quality and Experience of the Food Environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions sent college students online and off campus, potentially reducing access to healthy food. The objective of this cross-sectional, internet-based study was to use qualitative and quantitative survey methods to evaluate whether COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Texas, USA affected college students’ ability to buy food, how/what they shopped for, how they prepared food, what they ate, how they felt about eating, and overall dietary quality (assessed using Healthy Eating Index [HEI] scores). Survey responses from 502 students (87.5% female; 59.6% nonwhite, mean age 27.5 ± 0.4 years, >50% graduate students) were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of open-ended questions revealed 110 codes, 17 subthemes, and six themes. Almost all students experienced changes in at least one area, the most common being changes in shopping habits. Participants with low or very low food security had lower HEI scores compared to food secure students (p = 0.047). Black students were more likely to report changes in their ability to buy food (p = 0.035). The COVID-19 restrictions varied in their impact on students’ ability to access sufficient healthy food, with some students severely affected. Thus, universities should establish procedures for responding to emergencies, including identifying at-risk students and mobilizing emergency funds and/or food assistance.

O23 Community Stakeholders Perspectives on Food Security of Families with Children Ages 0 to 3 Years Before and During COVID-19

Children living in food-insecure households have poorer overall health than children in food-secure households. While emergency food and nutrition assistance programs provide supplemental food and education resources to eligible families, they cannot consistently provide adequate age-appropriate food for young children. Since the onset of COVID-19, families have experienced higher food insecurity rates, impacting access to nutritious food items for young children. To explore community stakeholders' perceptions about obtaining nutritious and age-appropriate foods for children ages 0-3 years prior and as a result of COVID-19. Stakeholders (n = 15) with a vested interest or currently working with families with infants or toddlers in Florida participated in a 60-minute interview via Zoom by trained researchers using a semi-structured script. The PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to inform the interview questions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by 2 researchers using an inductive approach. Before COVID-19, stakeholders perceived that families of infants and toddlers were not aware of available resources related to food security in the community. Stakeholders' stated resources such as baby foods and nutrition education were limited. Since COVID-19, resources related to food security have become even more restricted due to the increased demand, lack of transportation, and new safety protocols (ie, limited hours, social distancing, etc.). Moreover, the stigma associated with applying for supplemental assistance was noted as a barrier to food security prior to and as a result of COVID-19. Stakeholders suggested these families have become more aware of supplemental assistance eligibility requirements and other available opportunities through social media and referrals since COVID-19. Age-appropriate foods and additional resources are needed in non-stigmatized ways for food-insecure families with young children, especially as a result of COVID-19. Identifying risk factors associated with food insecurity will help determine future interventions for effective ways to safeguard young children's health and well-being. None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

O45 Perceived Healthfulness of the Environment of Communities with Low Income by Community Stakeholders

<h3>Background</h3> This is a continuation of a previous study assessing Extension nutrition educators' perceptions of the healthfulness of the environment of communities with low income. This next step in the study involved interviewing community stakeholders about their perceived barriers and facilitators to engaging in healthful behaviors in these communities. Understanding how key stakeholders perceive the environment is an important step to developing impactful interventions for populations with low income. <h3>Objective</h3> To determine community stakeholders' perceptions of the healthfulness of their environment in various states. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Stakeholders (n = 30) working in communities with low income were interviewed in Kansas, Florida, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. Trained researchers used a semi-structured script grounded in Social Cognitive Theory to determine barriers and facilitators related to the healthfulness of the community environment. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by 2 researchers using inductive thematic analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Across all states, stakeholders described a healthy lifestyle as multidimensional, specifically reporting healthy eating and physical activity as key characteristics. Overall, stakeholders' perceived barriers to living a healthy lifestyle included limited availability of healthy and affordable foods, lack of knowledge of food preparation and basic nutrition, and community resistance to change as a result of pre-existing cultural beliefs as well as the absence of intrinsic motivation. Nevertheless, stakeholders indicated various facilitators. These included access to trustworthy and credible information from health professionals and government agencies, improved referral systems, and access to emergency food assistance. Finally, stakeholders reported increased access to affordable primary care and mental health services would improve quality of life for their entire community. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Community stakeholders across several states described similar barriers and facilitators to a healthy lifestyle for individuals with low income. Findings will inform the development of a questionnaire for community members to measure perceived healthfulness of the environments of communities with low income.

Using the Food Stress Index for Emergency Food Assistance: An Australian Case Series Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Natural Disasters.

Food insecurity increases with human and natural disasters. Two tools were developed to assist effective food relief in Western Australia: the Food Stress Index (similar to rental stress, predicts the likelihood of household food insecurity by geographic location) and a basic and nutritious Food Basket Recommendation (that quantifies the types and amounts of food to meet dietary recommendations for different family types). This study aims to understand and compare the processes and impact of using these tools for organisations and their clients involved in emergency food assistance and/or disaster preparedness. A multiple case-study design analysed organisation’s use of the tools to assist the response to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the catastrophic bushfires in Australia. Qualitative interviews were conducted by telephone and Zoom (a cloud-based video conferencing service) in July–August 2020. A purposeful sample of eight interviewees representing seven cases (government, food relief and community organisations involved in emergency food assistance and/or disaster preparedness). Three themes emerged from the analysis, (1) organisations are confident users of the tools; (2) Collaborations were “Ready to Go” and (3) Food Stress Index is a “game changer”. Findings demonstrate the intrinsic value of the tools in the provision of emergency food relief under both normal circumstances and in times of increased need, i.e., COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the value and importance of ongoing intersectoral collaborations for food relief and food security (e.g., the Western Australian Food Relief Framework) and suggests that upscaling of the Food Stress Index and food baskets will increase the effectiveness of measures to address food insecurity in Australia.

“Free” food with a side of shame? Combating stigma in emergency food assistance programs in the quest for food justice

Anti-hunger advocates and food geographers have often overlooked the role of emergency food assistance in struggles for food justice, dismissing food assistance as addressing symptoms rather than root causes of food insecurity. Yet, the vast network of food pantries and other free food programs are more than a stop-gap measure for millions of Americans — and thus warrant a closer look at how their practices, policies and spaces feel in practice and with what implications towards food justice goals. In this paper, we argue that barriers to emotionally-accessible food, in the form of neoliberal stigma around “free” food, play a prominent role in shaping peoples’ experiences with food assistance. Based on participatory research with a food redistribution non-profit in Boulder, Colorado, we discuss how the emotional burdens of food insecurity manifest in individual experiences with emergency food assistance programs and staff, leading to isolation and disconnection which actively inhibit more inclusive food systems. This research responds to scholarship in geographies of food and emotion, contributing analysis into how discomforts of (lacking/receiving) food are experienced viscerally. Furthermore, we discuss implications of the emotional (dis)comforts of food assistance when examining the role of emergency food assistance in broader struggles for food justice. To this end, we point to alternative practices in food assistance programs which might actively counteract narratives of neoliberal subjectivities, while simultaneously broadening the food justice community in terms of who feels comfortable participating in, and shaping, more equitable food systems.

Diet Quality, Nutritional Adequacy, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Mobile Food Pantry Users in Northeastern Connecticut.

Poor diet quality among low-income populations is a major contributing factor to their poor health and wellbeing, and thus is a focus of many government aid programs. Mobile food pantries are an increasingly popular method of emergency food assistance, targeting the communities most affected by food insecurity; however, little is known about the dietary characteristics of mobile food pantry users. This study aims to characterize the diet quality and nutrient adequacy level and examine its association with sociodemographic characteristics among mobile food pantry users in Windham County, Connecticut. Surveys to assess food insecurity, diet composition, and sociodemographic characteristics were administered to 83 adult food pantry users. Participants (n = 40) completed a three-day dietary record for analysis of diet quality, and were found to have inadequate intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy, as well as some related micronutrients. At least 30% of participants had intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamins A, C, E, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and folate. Intakes of added sugar, sugar sweetened beverages, and saturated fat were also above recommendations according to the United States Dietary Guidelines. Certain sociodemographic factors affected diet quality among this sample. For example, being male was associated with increased sugar-sweetened beverage and added sugar intake. This characterization of mobile pantry users will serve as a reference for developing nutrition education and determining the effectiveness of future interventions.