Food provision to support improved nutrition and well-being of people experiencing disadvantage – perspectives of service providers

Abstract

Objective: Diet quality is significantly impacted by social and environmental factors. People experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage face inequitable barriers to accessing nutritious foods and health services, resulting in significant health disparities. This study aimed to explore the barriers faced by organisations that provide food support to people experiencing disadvantage as well as to identify potential strategies to enhance this support for improved wellbeing of clients. Design: Semi-structured interviews using an exploratory approach and inductive thematic analysis. Setting: Australia Participants: Individuals from organisations involved in the provision of food support for people experiencing disadvantage aged ≥16 years Results: Two major themes were identified from 13 interviews. ‘Dignity and respect for clients’, serves as a guiding principle for food-related services across all organisations, while ‘food’ was a point of connection and a potential gateway to additional support pathways. Five additional subthemes included ‘food as a platform to reduce social isolation, foster connection, and promote participation’, challenges with ‘servicing clients with diverse experiences and needs’, ‘dependence on staff and volunteers with varying knowledge and skillsets’, ensuring ‘adequate access to services, resources and facilities’ and ‘necessity of community collaboration’. Conclusions: This study highlights the unique position of organisations involved in food support to identify client-specific needs and implement broader holistic health support. Future interventions should prioritise dignity, respect, and social connection in design. Organisations require an adequately trained, sustainable workforce, with shared or enhanced services, resources, and facilities, and greater community coordination with other services to maximise effectiveness.