Why are communities so committed to providing non‐governmental food‐assistance programs?
Authors: Androlia Eliza M Fishbein , Frongillo Edward A , Blake Christine E. , Shapiro Cheri 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Despite the availability of governmental and non‐governmental food assistance programs, the prevalence of household food insecurity in the U.S. remains high. Non‐governmental food assistance in the U.S. is typically provided to families in communities by faith‐based organizations, schools, and food banks, often working together to deliver programs like backpacks, holiday boxes, pantries, and school snacks. Community organizations appear to be strongly committed to these programs, but little is known about the basis for this commitment, i.e., “the will to act and to keep on acting until the job is done” (Heaver, 2005). The aim of this study was to examine the values and identities of community organizations to understand why the commitment to providing non‐governmental food assistance.

METHODS

Thirty‐three qualitative, in‐depth interviews were conducted with leaders at faith‐based organizations (n=16), schools (n=10), and a local food bank (n=1) in South Carolina. Observations were made over multiple days, and informational documents (e.g., flyers and pamphlets) were reviewed. We applied a qualitative, constant comparative approach and used open, axial, and selective coding. Coding was guided in part by the concepts of organizational values (i.e., what they use and want to achieve their goals) and identities (i.e., how they see their roles) from Lasswell's policy‐science framework. All notes and transcripts were analyzed using MAXQDA qualitative analysis software.

RESULTS

All organizations stated that they want to be involved in the well‐being of the community by ending hunger. Participants representing faith‐based organizations and a food bank reported that these programs provided a variety of ways for volunteers to become involved. Volunteer involvement strengthened their internal relationships, which furthered financial support for the continuation of food assistance programs. Participants at schools reported they value student well‐being and want to continue to provide students with as many resources as possible. Many school participants reported that because of their commitment to the students they are a mechanism through which food programs are provided and believe they have little power to make suggestions to influence the food programs. Food bank participants identified that their role is to provide best practices, and financial and logistical support for food programs.

DISCUSSION

Providing food to others is a powerful act, and through these programs food banks and faith‐based organizations can provide this experience to their volunteers. Many of these programs are systematized and packaged by local food banks making it accessible and easy for faith‐based and other organizations to adopt. Seeking to fulfill the well‐being of the community by ending hunger is not the primary value on which organizations focus; instead it is the process of fulfilling other values (i.e., forming or maintaining relationships within the community), maintaining identity, and appealing to their participants that strengthens their commitment to food assistance programs. A consequence of commitment to the particular solution of providing food assistance, derived from fulfilling these other values, is that the roots of hunger in a community become obscured and alternative solutions are ignored or rejected.