The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Distribution at Emergency Food Assistance Organizations in the Southwestern United States: A Qualitative Investigation

Authors

Alexandra N Castro
Mamie A White
Ariun Ishdorj
Debbe Thompson
Jayna M Dave

Publication Date

11-26-2021

Journal

Nutrients

DOI

10.3390/nu13124267

PMID

34959818

PMCID

PMC8703558

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

11-26-2021

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

COVID-19, Female, Food Assistance, Food Insecurity, Humans, Male, Pandemics, Qualitative Research, Quarantine, SARS-CoV-2, Texas, food insecurity, food distribution, emergency food assistance organizations (EFAOs), food pantry, COVID-19

Abstract

This study aimed to identify changes in food distribution operations at emergency food assistance organizations (EFAOs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. EFAOs across the Houston metro area, TX (human service centers and food pantries) as well as the Houston Food Bank (HFB) participated in the qualitative study. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews and focus group (December 2020–February 2021), and coded using semi-structured thematic analysis. Categories were pre-identified based on the interview questions. Direct quotes supported subcategories. Directors from 18 EFAOs were interviewed; 8 HFB leadership staff participated in a focus group. Four major categories of change due to COVID-19 included new safety measures, changes in food distribution process, changes in volunteerism and staffing, and changes in amounts of food distributed. This study helps identify susceptibilities in EFAOs’ food distribution chain should be addressed to manage future emergency food insecurity crises more effectively. An understanding of the changes/challenges incurred by EFAOs during the COVID-19 pandemic can inform policymakers to ensure local food distribution organizations are prepared to fill the needs during future a crisis of food insecurity.