Living on the Edge: Examination of People Attending Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

Abstract

This article presents information from a study of people receiving food assistance services from food pantries and soup kitchens in Virginia. The data indicate that significant numbers of individuals and families--many of whom are employed--are seeking food assistance. Many of these individuals also have been homeless, victims of domestic violence, unable to pay their utility bills, or have lost their public benefits. A critical issue raised by the findings is the low rate of participation in the food stamp program. Fewer than 40 percent of the respondents were receiving food stamps. Although the food stamp program is intended to help households buy a nutritionally adequate diet, there is growing concern that a large segment of low-income Americans are slipping through this safety net. The article concludes with suggestions for social work interventions to address issues of food security.

The Food Safety Net after Welfare Reform: Use of Private and Public Food Assistance in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area

“…Findings from two recent local surveys of food pantry and soup kitchen users report similar findings on food stamp use. About 44 percent of private food assistance recipients in Detroit, Michigan (Eisinger, 1999) and about 37 percent of private food assistance recipients in Virginia (Biggerstaff, et al, 2002) were estimated to also receive food stamps. Bartfeld (2003), however, found a much smaller Food Stamp…”

Economic Survival Strategies and Food Insecurity

“…Biggerstaff, Morris and Nichols-Casebolt (2002) conducted a study of people receiving food assistance services from food pantries and soup kitchens in Virginia. In this sample of 1,500 individuals utilizing emergency food services, only 37 percent reported participating in the Food Stamp Program as a way to increase their access to food.…”

“…Low-wage jobs and the welfare safety net have both declined eroding families' purchasing power. Additionally, over the past several decades rent, utilities, and other expenses are taking a bigger bite out of household wages (Hancock, 2002;Biggerstaff, Morris & Casebolt, 2002). Low income families draw on their social supports, local agencies, and access to extra wages from informal work to get food, as well as other necessities.…”

“…The United States has attempted to address this issue through various hunger and nutrition programs for the poor including the Food Stamp program, school breakfast and lunch programs, the agricultural surplus commodities program and others. However, recent welfare policy retrenchments and Food Stamp allowances and restrictions have left many impoverished families seeking food from a range of other sources, often leaving them with lingering food insecurity (Biggerstaff, Morris & Casebolt, 2002). When other sources are unavailable, and even extended networks lacked food, families often adopt new informal strategies for survival and experience changes in diet including missed meals.…”

Food Assistance Through the School System

“…Food pantries and soup kitchens are organizations that obtain food products through donations or direct purchase, often with support from faith-based organizations. Food pantries redistribute the food products at no charge to needy individuals who take the items with them, and soup kitchens prepare and serve free on-site meals to individuals who otherwise may go hungry (Biggerstaff, Morris, and Nichols-Casebolt 2002;Curtis and McClellan 1995;Lenhart and Read 1989;Martin et al 2003;Poppendieck 1998). However, children may live in households with parents who are unwilling or unable to seek sufficient food assistance to meet the nutritional needs of their children.…”