Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8850-8982

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Committee Chair

Michael Dougherty

Committee Member

Sharon Hayes

Committee Member

Thanh Le

Committee Member

Emily Perdue

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Impacts Of Community Food Outreach Programs on Low-Income Families: St. Ursula’s Food Outreach Program in Pursglove Monongalia, West Virginia as A Case Study

Abeleje Oluwafunke Rebecca

According to previous research studies as stated by Fatka (2023), in 2014, 14% of households in the United States had levels of food insecurity. Also, as noted by Pitts, 2020, food insecurity rates rose across the board in the United States during the early COVID-19 epidemic and tripled among families with children. Compared to other industrialized countries, the United States had very high rates of food insecurity before the outbreak (Poblacion et al., 2021). The rate of household food insecurity in the United States is still high despite the availability of governmental and non-governmental food outreach initiatives.

One of the methods to address food insecurity is partnership with schools’ food outreach programs provide food services to underprivileged families, such as school backpacks, pantries, school snacks, and holiday pantries (Feeding America, 2018). Non-governmental organizations run these programs. To understand how the existing non-governmental food outreach programs operate and to provide sound recommendations for ongoing and improved service, the primary objectives of this study were to evaluate and obtain insight into the impacts that the available food outreach programs have on low-income families in the areas.

This study offers insight into the level of knowledge regarding food insecurity in the US and the impacts of food outreach programs to address the issue of food insecurity among low-income individuals and their families.

A food pantry in Pursglove, West Virginia state, was used as a case study. The program participants were interviewed to understand their experiences better and gain knowledge of them. The report makes recommendations for additional study. The result was presented to the food pantry’s administration, who informed them of future research recommendations.

Embargo Reason

Publication Pending

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Available for download on Thursday, April 17, 2025

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