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The COVID-19 pandemic and food assistance organizations’ responses in New York’s Capital District

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren Winkler
  • Taylor Goodell
  • Siddharth Nizamuddin
  • Sam Blumenthal

    (Skidmore College Environmental Studies and Sciences Program)

  • Nurcan Atalan-Helicke

    (Skidmore College Environmental Studies and Sciences Program)

Abstract

This research examines the impact of COVID-19 on food security in New York state and the innovative approaches employed by food assistance organizations to help address the changing and increasing demand for their services from March 2020 to May 2021. We examine the case study of New York’s Capital District region through a qualitative approach. We find that there was a sharp increase in utilization of emergency services during spring of 2020, which tapered off in the summer and fall of 2020 but remained above the levels of need seen the previous year. Food assistance organizations quickly adapted to the increased demand for their services and changing conditions to reduce gaps in local food distribution chains: They reorganized and tapped into new sources for volunteers, networked with public and private organizations, and coordinated work with other regional food pantries for maximum impact. The flexibility of food assistance organizations to address the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic highlights their critical roles in the U.S. food security environment. While organizations are aware of their shortcomings, constraints, and overall role in the American food system, the majority also expressed that the pandemic presented an opportunity to treat a complex problem together and to enact change. Several stakeholders also shared their hope that strengthening their networks and innovations may facilitate post-pandemic recovery, bring about systemic changes to address root causes of food insecurity, and better serve the communities most vulnerable to hunger and service disruptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren Winkler & Taylor Goodell & Siddharth Nizamuddin & Sam Blumenthal & Nurcan Atalan-Helicke, 2023. "The COVID-19 pandemic and food assistance organizations’ responses in New York’s Capital District," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 40(3), pages 1003-1017, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:40:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10460-022-10400-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10400-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sarah King & Amy McFarland & Jody Vogelzang, 2022. "Food sovereignty and sustainability mid-pandemic: how Michigan’s experience of Covid-19 highlights chasms in the food system," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 39(2), pages 827-838, June.
    2. Alicia Swords, 2019. "Action research on organizational change with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier: a regional food bank’s efforts to move beyond charity," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 36(4), pages 849-865, December.
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    6. David Held & Ilona Kickbusch & Kyle McNally & Dario Piselli & Michaela Told, 2019. "Gridlock, Innovation and Resilience in Global Health Governance," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 10(2), pages 161-177, May.
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