Assessment of food pantries as sources of food and of information on public assistance programs

Attitudes and behaviors of food donors and perceived needs and wants of food shelf clients

OBJECTIVE

Explore the attitudes and behaviors of individuals who donate foods to food shelves and the perceived needs of the clientele using the food shelves in terms of cultural, health, and nutritional concerns.

DESIGN

Qualitative methods (focus group interviews).

SETTING

Focus groups (5 client and 7 donor) were conducted at food shelves, churches, and community centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Client focus group members (n = 31) were mostly middle-aged and elderly individuals of mixed ethnicity and donor focus group members (n = 64) were mostly white and well educated and had incomes > $50 000.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

In-depth focus groups were conducted to obtain information regarding attitudes and beliefs of individuals who donate food and perceptions of needs among food shelf clients.

ANALYSIS

Transcripts were analyzed systematically by coding comments according to categories and examining for common themes.

RESULTS

Food donations did not match client needs for people with different ethnic backgrounds or age groups and food safety concerns.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates the need for nutrition educators to work with food shelf and food bank directors regarding the education of staff and general population on appropriate food donations.