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

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.

Navigating food access and distribution during the pandemic

“…Another food pantry provided bus passes for community members who lacked transportation. [10,11] However, little is known about the impact of these services in predominantly African American communities.…”

“…However, as a result of the pandemic, many food assistance programs were required to pivot to a different method of food distribution. [9][10][11] This changed the way in which food pantries distributed food to the community. As a result, community members were limited in their food choices and their ability to choose their own food items in the pantry.…”

“…Additionally, food was packaged and bagged for distribution; therefore, community members were not able to decline food items that were not culturally appropriate or desired. [10] Other food assistance programs attempted to provide culturally appropriate foods when available. [9] In addition, food assistance programs received only limited volunteer assistance, which required food pantries either to eliminate or limit their volunteers, as many such volunteers were senior citizens and therefore more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19.…”

“…Pantries opted to enable volunteers to distance themselves from the clients to maintain the health and safety of both the clients and the volunteers. [10,11] Other pantries used online ordering to assist with the high demand for food assistance and lack of volunteer availability. [10] Some pantries offered home deliveries that provided contact-less food distribution.…”

“…[10,11] Other pantries used online ordering to assist with the high demand for food assistance and lack of volunteer availability. [10] Some pantries offered home deliveries that provided contact-less food distribution. Other food pantries offered mobile deliveries through a mobile unit that was stationed throughout the week at a certain location where clients could easily access food.…”