After conducting informal interviews with the 12 food pantry directors, a sample of 10 clients from each pantry location was selected to be interviewed in person. Ten eligible nonclients who lived near each site but who had never used a food pantry also were interviewed. The majority of these nonclients were interviewed at a housing project closest to the pantry site. A total of 96 food pantry clients and 120 nonclients were interviewed. Ten of the 12 food pantries in the study were associated with a church or other religious organization.
Results show most food pantries operate in a flexible manner.
Among the 12 food pantries, diversity exists in the amount of food given, method of distribution, and record-keeping procedures, showing the private food system operates differently than the formal, bureaucratic Food Stamp Program. The majority of respondents were females between 30 and 49 years of age, although the rural groups had a higher percentage of respondents over 60. Not surprisingly, most reported low household incomes and low education levels. Respondents could select multiple reasons. Possible barriers could include lack of knowledge of the program, lack of transportation, or stigma associated with using the program.