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Strategizing Dinner: How American Pantry Users Think about Feeding Their Families with Limited Resources

Author

Listed:
  • Tracey Kathleen Burke

    (School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • Amanda K. Walch

    (Dietetics & Nutrition Program, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • Kiana Holland

    (Graduates of University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • Brynn Byam

    (Graduates of University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • David Reamer

    (Graduates of University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

Abstract

The financial crisis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity in the United States. The emergency provides an opportunity to re-think the American nutrition-assistance system. In this paper, we describe findings from a community-based project conducted in urban Alaska before the pandemic in collaboration with a local food pantry. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nineteen food recipients, half of them twice, about how they procure food and prepare their meals in the context of juggling other expenses and demands on their time. What participants in our study do fits mainstream American patterns. Our study adds to the knowledge base by focusing on how families think strategically about their situations in context. In addition to cost, participants take nutrition and flavor into account. Most importantly, they do not think about assistance programs in isolation but holistically.

Suggested Citation

  • Tracey Kathleen Burke & Amanda K. Walch & Kiana Holland & Brynn Byam & David Reamer, 2021. "Strategizing Dinner: How American Pantry Users Think about Feeding Their Families with Limited Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9772-:d:625979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Craig Gundersen & David R. Just & Craig Gundersen & Emily Engelhard & Monica Hake, 2017. "The Determinants of Food Insecurity among Food Bank Clients in the United States," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(3), pages 501-518, November.
    2. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P & Gregory, Christian A & Singh, Anita, 2021. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2020," Administrative Publications 327344, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    4. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Gregory, Christian A. & Singh, Anita, 2018. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2017," Administrative Publications 292096, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    5. Craig Gundersen & David R. Just & Judith Bartfeld & J. Michael Collins, 2017. "Food Insecurity, Financial Shocks, and Financial Coping Strategies among Households with Elementary School Children in Wisconsin," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(3), pages 519-548, November.
    6. repec:wly:soecon:v:82:4:y:2016:p:1147-1166 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Gregory, Christian A. & Singh, Anita, 2019. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2018," Administrative Publications 320791, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    8. Lydia Zepeda, 2018. "Hiding hunger: food insecurity in middle America," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 35(1), pages 243-254, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marc Juanpera & Judit M. Fernández-Novell & Albert Soler-Noguera & Maria Antonia De los Santos & Daniel Carpintero & Laia Ferrer-Martí & Rafael Pastor, 2022. "Procedure for an Effective Quick and Targeted Distribution of Product to Final Beneficiaries by a Social Food Bank," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-15, October.

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