CONCLUSION
Key Themes:
Social Support
"I come here just for the camaraderie sometimes.” -Darryl
Vulnerable Populations
Interviewees consisted of several
ex-convicts, a refugee, a drug addict, and generally individuals who grew up in low socioeconomic households.
Structure of Food Assistance Programs
"[Don't give me] just a voucher. Help me get a job, get a car, go back to school." -James
Other Social Determinants Lead
to Food Insecurity
When asked about the situations that made themselves and others food insecure, interviewees always deferred to other social determinants such as homelessness, difficulty with transportation and employment, felony charges, etc. These factors are inextricably linked to food insecurity.
Food Security from Covenant Soup Kitchen
"When I was in the refugee camp sometimes I wouldn't eat for 4 or 5 days. You never go hungry around here...you will not leave this place hungry.” -Sonya
Sentiment of Gratitude
“I would consider myself pretty blessed.” - Darryl
Desire for Better Circumstances
“I want to learn more. I want to be a dental assistant for kids. So I have to get a GED or I can’t go anywhere.”
-Sonya